Simon Fraser University

The technology could find use in products such as raincoats, although the potential applications

Materials

New waterproof coating claimed to be cheaper and greener than others

Waterproof coatings do make products such as outerwear much more useful, but they also drive up the price. A new coating, though, is claimed to be 90 percent cheaper to produce, while still being highly effective and more eco-friendly.

The scientists had a group of hockey players deliver shoulder checks to the head of a sensor-equipped mannequin

Sports

A little bit of foam could make hockey a lot safer

The most common cause of concussions in hockey is shoulder-to-head impacts. According to research being conducted at Vancouver's Simon Fraser University, however, the severity of those impacts could be greatly reduced with the simple addition of a layer of foam.

The Flex-N-Feel gloves allow long-distance couples to feel like they're holding or touching each other's hands

Wearables

Haptic gloves bring long-distance couples a touch closer

It’s easier than ever for long-distance couples to stay connected, but if Skype calls and texting aren’t quite enough, the Flex-N-Feel glove, developed by researchers at Simon Fraser University, can help transmit the touch of a hand.

The Christmas tree in the center was 3D-printed in the traditional manner, and displays the extra material to support each branch. Beside it are the two halves of the same tree printed using the new algorithm, with no supportive material to remove (Photo: Simon Fraser University)

3D Printing

New 3D printing algorithm creates Christmas trees with zero material waste

A new 3D printer algorithm claims to provide super-efficient 3D printing of Christmas trees with zero material waste, and also promises a way to produce accurate molds for casting chocolate Santas and reindeer too.