Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021. The toilet is the ultimate venue of control. It’s where you start to ...

The Innovia Automatic Paper Towel Dispenser installs underneath cabinetry. Affording hands-free operation, the gadget distributes paper towels with only a wave of the hand. Brian is the author of two ...

Build a better paper towel dispenser, and the world will beat a path to your door. That, at any rate, is the hope of John Erdman, a dedicated problem solver who’s good with his hands and has an eye ...