Ceramics

Archaeologists have unearthed some of the earliest evidence of winemaking, dating back about 8,000 years. Excavations in the Republic of Georgia dug up shards of pottery from the Early Ceramic Neolithic period around 6000 BCE, which were found to contain the telltale chemical compounds of wine.

Ultrasound is already utilized to treat brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Unfortunately, however, the density of the skull absorbs or reflects much of the ultrasound. A solution may be on the way, in the form of what's being called a "window to the brain."

If java consumers want to reduce waste, they can bring their own reusable cup to the coffee shop. Australian startup Huskee is taking things a step further, however. Its reusable cups are actually made from unwanted coffee bean husks.​

A team of scientists from Britain and China have developed a new type of ceramic carbide that can withstand the high temperatures of flying at over five times the speed of sound without the degradation experienced by similar materials.

​Although ceramics are known for being able to withstand high temperatures, they also have a reputation for being brittle. That's not the case, however, with a spongey new material made from ceramic nanofibers. It could find use in high-temperature insulation or water filtration.

​Ordinarily, when ceramic items are manufactured, the raw material has to be fired in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 1,000 ºC (1,832 ºF). Now, however, scientists have succeeded in doing away with the kiln, replacing it with a much more energy-efficient room-temperature technique.

A flexible, paper-like ceramic material has been created that promises to provide an inexpensive, fireproof, non-conductive base for a whole range of new and innovative electronic devices.

Researchers at HRL Laboratories have created a 3D printing technology that creates a ceramic material that is harder, stronger and more compatible with ultrahigh temperatures.

The cast iron brake rotors currently used in most vehicles are quite heavy. Lighter ceramic rotors certainly do exist, although they're pricey. Soon, however, ceramic-coated aluminum rotors may be a cost-effective lightweight alternative for economy cars.

If you frequently ride a bike on asphalt, then it’s entirely possible that sooner or later you’re going to wipe out and end up with some nasty skin abrasions. With that in mind, Scott Sports has announced a new line of cycling clothing made to protect against road rash.

A team of researchers from MIT and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have developed new ultra-lightweight materials that are as light as aerogel, but 10,000 times stiffer, and may one day revolutionize aerospace and automotive designs.

An international team of researchers has discovered a potential new use for discarded toilets, along with other ceramic waste such as basins, stoneware and bricks. It turns out that they can be made into a more eco-friendly form of cement.