Almost a year after news began breaking about bizarre happenings related to Chinese drywall, numerous questions remain unanswered. Despite the lack of definitive answers, the investigation so far certainly hasn't come up short on strange anecdotes.

After the perceived success of the Cash for Clunkers program, the Department of Energy pledged that a similar rebate program would soon roll out for inefficient appliances. More than three months after that announcement, details still remain hazy. Here are three questions about the new program.

The Black and White House built by Team Spain, from the University of Madrid, intentionally "has a lot of things in it that express opposites," says team member Luis Burred.

The albedo, also known as the extent to which surfaces reflect sunlight, is essential to Penn State's round solar photovoltaic panels from Solyndra. At full capacity, the cylinders crank out 5.1 kilowatts of electricity per hour.

Team Ontario/BC's house features a series of screens mounted conspicuously throughout the building to deliver breaking news of energy production and consumption.

To make energy-use data available to the homeowner, Team Boston created a Web-based energy-monitoring system, in which 24-7 real-time feedback helps users to adjust their energy habits (leaving lights off, turning the heat down) even when they are away.

Team Missouri's vaulted ceiling adds a sense of openness to 15 x 40' house, but its hinged top meets a more practical constraint unique to Solar Decathlon—the need to ship the house and rebuild it on the mall.

The first thing one notices when stepping up to Arizona's SEED [pod] House is the curved rib of steel displayed on the deck. Part industrial, part sculptural, it looks like a clever bit of landscaping, but it's actually there to show visitors the structural system that supports the roof and south wa...

Cornell's Solar Decathlon entry looks less like a cutting-edge, high-tech, high-efficiency home than like a cluster of rusted grain silos. In reality, it's both—an unusual combination that somehow comes across as a compelling and indulgent place to live.

Ohio State's Solar House 1 is net-zero in terms of energy—it produces as much power as it consumes. The facade is made of reclaimed wood from a barn in Southern Ohio. Louver window shades help residents control the interior climate.

The Gable Home doesn't just echo historic icons of the team's home state—it's actually constructed of them. For example, wood from the wall of an old grain elevator has become the decking. But there are lots of new materials in the home, too, like bamboo.

Most breakthrough innovations make their greatest contributions when they become products people can buy. Here, Popular Mechanics awards the top 10 most brilliant gadgets, tools and toys that you can buy in 2009. (Published in the November 2009 issue)

Your garage is supposed to keep your car safe from the elements (and possible thieves), but sometimes garages have problems of their own. Garage doors won't open, refuse to lock or age and warp. Here's how to solve most common garage door dilemmas.

Whether fence posts are loose, pathways are deteriorating or weeds are taking over, we have the quick fix for your backyard dilemmas. Here, we give tips on how to fix dilapidated fencing, overgrown yards or just start a new garden in no time at all.

Plant care isn't easy—dogs can dig up your beds, while soil can attract vermin. Planters present their own problems and watering can be tricky. Here are some quick fixes that can help give a novice gardener a green thumb.