The 25 inventions selected as finalists in the History Channel Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge range from the head-slappingly simple to the mind-bogglingly complex. But the 2006 Modern Marvel of the Year, the Strawjet, from the mind of inventor David R. Ward, is a good balance between the two extremes--it's easy to comprehend, and has strong science behind it. And it's environmentally sound, to boot.

The Strawjet processes straw that's left over after harvests into a mat, similar to a very large bamboo window blind, which can be used to construct eco-friendly composite building panels. Along with the other 24 inventions, the Strawjet is on display until Friday, May 26, at Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall in New York City.

For more information on the contest and the entrants, and to see when the Modern Marvels show will be televised, go to the History Channel's Web site. And check PC Magazine for my slideshow of the event, along with a brief Q&A with Steve Wozniak, who presented the award to Ward. (I just had to ask him about Segway polo...)