New Atlas

Science Audio available

Color-changing threads could find use in gas-detecting clothing

Ben Coxworth April 4, 2019

While there are already electronic devices that detect toxic gases, they can be expensive, and require training to properly use. Soon, though, there could be a cheap and simple alternative – threads woven into washable clothing, that change color when nasty gases are present.

Threads prepared with bromothymol blue (top thread), methyl red (middle thread) and MnTPP (bottom thread) are ...

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

High-tech PJs designed to analyze wearers' troubled sleep

Ben Coxworth April 3, 2019

People with insomnia sometimes undergo sleep studies, in which they slumber in a clinic while wired to various sensors – perhaps not the best way to replicate their typical sleeping environment. Soon, however, they may simply be able to wear electronic pyjamas, which are currently in development.

A volunteer helps test the Phyjama – their sleep data is visible on the computer screen

Around The Home Audio available

Ikea is set to release air-purifying curtains

Ben Coxworth February 22, 2019

We all know that houseplants help purify the air inside a home. If you don't have a green thumb, though, you may still be in luck – Ikea has developed curtains that are claimed to clean indoor air, utilizing a process similar to that which occurs in plants.

Ikea's Gunrid curtains will be commercially available in 2020

Environment

Environmentally-friendly fabric created from microbial cellulose

Paul Ridden May 23, 2018

Organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and even recycled plastics are being transformed into clothing for eco-aware fashionistas. Australia's Nanollose is going an even greener route with a system that makes use of biomass waste from the coconut industry to create a plant-free fiber.

Nullarbor fabric made from microbial cellulose

Good Thinking

Art in the age of ones and zeros: Glitch fashion

Rich Haridy August 29, 2017

This latest installment in our series looking at the impact of digital technologies on the art world focuses on the way digital glitch aesthetics are mixing with traditional textiles to make an entirely new form of fashion for the 21st century.

A series from Phillip Stearns called 'Fragmented Memory' in which he created textiles out of a ...

Materials

Cambridge scientists spin hydrogel into synthetic spider silk

David Szondy July 10, 2017

Peter Parker take note, architects and chemists at the University of Cambridge have come up with an artificial spider silk that is strong, super-stretchy, non-toxic and sustainable, yet is made from a material that is 98 percent water.

3D Printing

NASA prints up complex metallic "space fabric"

David Szondy April 19, 2017

NASA is getting into the textile business thanks to a team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The team has unveiled prototype swatches of a new metallic "space fabric" created using 3D printing that incorporates advanced functions that would be beneficial for use in space.

The metallic "space fabric" that was created using 3-D printing techniques that allow different functionality to ...

Environment

Old clothes may be "melted down" and recycled

Ben Coxworth April 3, 2017

When it comes to clothing, being both environmentally-conscious and fashionable can be tricky. Old clothes can be given away, of course, but they still ultimately end up in the landfill. That's why scientists have devised a method of essentially "melting down" old clothes to make new material.

Recycling cotton-polyester clothes is closer to reality with a new method that can (1) dissolve the ...

Architecture

Science meets architecture in robotically woven, solar-active structure

John Anderson February 28, 2017

New York’s MoMA PS1 will feature a shelter structure that uses robotically-knitted solar fabrics able to absorb and release light. Created by Jenny Sabin Studio, the canopy is photo-luminescent by night and cooling by day, with a misting system that delivers a cooling spray when someone is near.

The multisensory Lumen gives off a glow at night due to photo-luminescent fabric

Bicycles

Could a textile bike lock make the cut?

Ben Coxworth February 6, 2017

Steel cable bike locks may be lighter than U-locks, but they're also notoriously easy to cut through. Chains are one alternative, although they're heavy. So, what's lighter than a chain, and more cut-resistant than cable? According to a group of German designers, their textile-based lock is.

$The tex-lock is made from five types of textile$