Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod over 250 years ago. We still use ‘em. They’re great at protecting individual tall things, but each one protects only about a 30 foot radius. Next-level laser technology can protect an area 20 times larger. #NPRShortWave⁠ ⁠ Reporter: Regina Barber/NPR⁠ Producer: Sofia Seidel/NPR | NPR