In case you missed them in our biweekly e-newsletters, here are IMT’s five most-read articles in the first half of this year, plus a few we think are particularly worth checking out.

From U.S. dominance of science, engineering and job stress to getting our hands dirty and getting things done, here’s your chance to catch up on (and discuss) the issues that have mattered most to our readers.

U.S. Science and Engineering Report Card
The state of science and engineering in the U.S. is strong, yet the nation’s lead is shrinking, according to the latest report from the National Science Board. The group’s comprehensive Science and Engineering Indicators 2010 report suggests that U.S. dominance of world science and engineering has deteriorated significantly in recent years.

The Most (and Least) Stressful Jobs
Everyone experiences stress at work from time to time, but not all jobs are created equal. Here IMT looks at some of the most and least stressful jobs in the U.S., as well as ways to cope with work stress.

8 Quick Tips for Managing Your Time
Sometimes the days just aren’t long enough. Consider these eight practical ideas for how to master your workflow and stay organized — or, simply put, how to get things done.

Get Your Hands Dirty: DIY Basics
For those interested in a good, cheap do-it-yourself (DIY) project that, once completed, could come in handy for future projects, we offer ideas for making your own CNC milling machine.

Expert’s Corner: Q&A with MAPI’s Cliff Waldman
In our most-read edition of Expert’s Corner, Cliff Waldman, an economist and council director at the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, discussed the challenges and opportunities manufacturers can expect to face in 2010 and beyond.

STAFF PICKS

The Country’s Best Engineering Schools
Acquiring an education in engineering can be a difficult but rewarding endeavor, both professionally and personally. Here we look at some of the top schools for those interested in entering an engineering field.

What We’ve Learned from the Economic Crisis
As conditions improve and sectors begin to recover, what lessons can be drawn from the downturn? Will they show businesses, consumers and policymakers how to avoid similar challenges in the future?

Obama Turns Attention to New Nuclear Power
Earlier this year, President Obama announced billions of dollars in federal loan guarantees for the construction and operation of the first new U.S. nuclear power plant in almost three decades.