Materials Science

Chemistry

Changing charges make for squid rainbow

Study finds how proteins self assemble in the cells of Loligo squid to reflect different wavelengths of light

Materials Science

Velcro on steroids

Researchers have designed a steel analog of a well-known fastener.

Chemistry

Styrofoam degrades in seawater

Study suggests besides the visible plastic, smaller bits are fouling the waters

Health & Medicine

Worm-inspired superglue

Researchers create a material that may one day be used to paste together bones in the body.

Paleontology

Diggin’ dinos

Structures found in Australian rocks may be the filled-in remains of the world’s oldest dinosaur burrows.

Chemistry

Salt stretches in nanoworld

Finding could lead to new technique for making tiny wires.

Physics

Shifting nanoparticles cause creep

Study investigates how concrete deforms over time

Chemistry

Laser makes uphill battle easier

Researchers have used a femtosecond laser to etch tiny channels into metal plates, prompting liquid to flow uphill.

Humans

In teeth, more cracks are better than one

Cracks in tooth enamel, called tufts, distribute force and shield a tooth from fracture, researchers report.

Materials Science

Double-laser approach makes one thin line

Erasing and stenciling could refine tiny printing for sculpting nano-sized devices.

Chemistry

Bubbles turn on chemical catalysts

Mechanical force could help chemical compounds spur reactions when the time is right.

Materials Science

Viruses could power devices

Viruses — the biological kind — could be used to construct more efficient, environmentally friendly lithium ion batteries