In case you missed them in our biweekly e-newsletters, here’s your chance to catch up on – and discuss – the issues that have mattered most to our readers.

From radical customization in product fabrication to the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, 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.

READER FAVORITES

Is This the Era of DIY Manufacturing?
The traditional principles of mass production today are being challenged by concepts of radical customization and highly personalized goods. As a growing number of do-it-yourself inventors and small-scale industrialists find creative ways to modify, reconfigure and fabricate products from the ground up, the manufacturing industry must adapt to this new future.

5 Bold Ideas for Business
In the aftermath of the recession, we have the opportunity to truly change the way business is done. While ideas like reversing offshoring and rethinking the 9-to-5 schedule aren’t new, it’s surprising that they haven’t been widely embraced by industrial pros considering their benefits.

The Most and Least Stressful Jobs in America
With Americans working longer hours and tackling more responsibilities, on-the-job stress is to be expected. Yet some careers are more stressful than others, whether due to time pressure, competition or physical and psychological exertion.

Is Fracking Environmentally Sound?
Hydraulic fracturing (aka “fracking”), the controversial process to extract shale gas, has raised some significant concerns. Here is an overview of shale gas and fracking and their roles in meeting energy needs.

5 Strange (but Useful) Scientific Studies
Not every scientific experiment or study may seem practical at first glance. While it may be tempting to dismiss eccentric types of research as pointless, it’s important to remember that even the silliest sounding scientific studies can yield valuable insights. A closer look at the stranger side of science reveals surprisingly practical findings.

STAFF PICKS

Defense Industry Outlines “Doomsday” Budget Cuts
The Pentagon plans to cut at least $480 billion from its budget over the next decade, and even more if Congress follows through on plans for deeper reductions. Needless to say, the defense industry is piqued.

Avoid These Common Brainstorming Pitfalls
We’ve all been there: The boss asks you to participate in a chaotic exercise billed as a brainstorming session, tells you to “think outside the box” and then waits expectantly. How can these exercises be improved?

Buyers’ Biggest Challenges in 2012
In this Expert’s Corner, GovPro.com’s Mike Keating explains what new challenges and opportunities industrial purchasers can expect this year.

Manufacturers Confront Critical Resource Scarcity
Seven core manufacturing industries could be seriously affected by a shortage of minerals and metals, which would disrupt entire supply chains and economies, new findings suggest.

How to Achieve a Career Comeback
If you’ve been unemployed or are looking to switch professions, staging a career comeback can be challenging. Consider these tips for stepping back into the professional limelight.