Materials
Whether it's the latest wonder material, such as graphene, or uncovering the secrets to the longevity of ancient Roman concrete, material science is the reason so much of our technology is more than the sum of its parts.
Latest News
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Mussel glue used in scar-free skin grafting technique
June 27, 2022Mussels have long been known for the adhesive they produce, which allows them to cling to rocks. The protein responsible has now been utilized in a new skin grafting technique, which reportedly results in little to no scarring. -
Cement formed with biogenic limestone promises carbon-neutral concrete
June 23, 2022Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder claim to have uncovered a greener form of cement production by tapping into a species of cloudy microalgae that naturally produce limestone particles through photosynthesis. -
Magnetic electrode traces ion flows to reveal battery life in real time
June 19, 2022Scientists at the University of Buffalo experimenting with next-generation battery designs have demonstrated how magnetism might be used to bring a new level of precision to the way we monitor a battery's state of charge. -
Mistletoe glue could one day be used to seal wounds
June 16, 2022In order to spread to other host trees, the parasitic mistletoe plant has very sticky seeds that cling to bird feathers, bark, and other materials. According to a recent study, the "glue" on those seeds could inspire new biomedical adhesives. -
Study suggests moth-inspired wallpaper could one day soundproof homes
June 15, 2022Two years ago, scientists at the University of Bristol discovered that some moths evade bats via sound-absorbing scales on their body. New research now suggests that wallpaper inspired by those scales could be used to block out unwanted noises. -
Bioplastic made with vanilla bean extract self-destructs under UV light
June 14, 2022Scientists have created a new form of bioplastic that offers stability during use and exciting upcycling potential, relying on a vanilla bean extract to self-destruct on command in response to a specific wavelength of light. -
Scientists cover robotic finger with living skin made from human cells
June 09, 2022We've been hearing a lot about synthetic skins made for robotic hands, which would give the devices human-like qualities. Scientists in Japan have gone a step further, by covering a robotic finger in a self-healing skin made from live human cells. -
Waste plastics from old cars "flashed" into graphene to go in new cars
May 30, 2022We need to get creative with recycling. In a new study, researchers at Rice University and Ford’s Research and Innovation Center have demonstrated how waste plastic from old cars could be used to make graphene foam that can then be used in new cars. -
Lab-grown plant matter marks a step towards 3D-printable wood
May 25, 2022Processing wood from trees isn’t the most efficient way to make furniture or building materials. MIT scientists have made breakthroughs in a process that could one day let us 3D print and grow wood directly in the shape of furniture and other things. -
Cheap gel film pulls buckets of drinking water per day from thin air
May 24, 2022Water scarcity is a major problem around the world, but with the right equipment drinking water can be wrung out of thin air. Researchers have now demonstrated a low-cost gel film that can pull many liters of water per day out of even very dry air. -
Diamond mirror withstands lasers powerful enough to burn through steel
May 23, 2022A team of Harvard engineers working to advance laser technology have turned to one of the strongest known materials in diamonds, which they've used to form a new mirror that can endure beams strong enough to burn through steel. -
Wood-based foam passively cools buildings to cut energy bills
May 19, 2022A huge chunk of energy usage goes towards heating and cooling homes and buildings, so it’s important to find new ways to regulate temperature passively. A new wood-based foam could drastically cool buildings to a degree that can be easily tuned. -
Teflon-like desalination membrane purifies water fast and friction-free
May 16, 2022A new type of desalination membrane uses a series of nanoscale tubes lined with a Teflon-inspired material that repels salts while allowing water to flow through with little friction. The team says it's fast, and requires little pressure and energy. -
Eco-friendlier cement made from sludge and urine
May 13, 2022The production of traditional Portland cement is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, as the ingredients have to be heated to very high temperatures. Such is not the case with a new biocement, however, which also incorporates waste materials. -
Sugar and citric acid used to create nontoxic plywood glue
May 11, 2022While we may think of wood as being earthy and natural, wooden materials such as plywood typically contain formaldehyde-based adhesives that give off toxic fumes. Such is not the case with a new adhesive, which is made from glucose and citric acid.
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