Materials Science

Materials Science

Physicists untangle the geometry of rope

Equations explain why winding fibers together does the job, no matter what they’re made of.

Chemistry

Building a cheaper catalyst

Using perovskite instead of platinum in catalytic converters could shave many hundreds of dollars off the cost of a diesel car.

Materials Science

Physicists observe quantum properties in the world of objects

A demonstration marries the world of the very small with the everyday, opening new realms for quantum computing and other applications.

Chemistry

Polymer shifts shape with changing temperature

Common material’s ‘memory’ could be exploited for smart fabrics or other gadgets.

Chemistry

Plasticizers kept from leaching out

‘Chemicals of concern’ may be made safer in new materials.

Materials Science

A charge for freezing water at different temperatures

Experiments use positive and negative forces to control ice formation at temperatures well below the normal freezing point.

Materials Science

Breakup doesn’t keep hydrogel down

Scientists create a new material that is strong, soft and self-healing.

Chemistry

Batteries made from nanotubes … and paper

Scientists have made batteries and supercapacitors with little more than ordinary office paper and some carbon and silver nanomaterials.

Animals

Spider men weave silken tapestry

It took herculean effort, but Madagascar crafters created an extraordinary piece of woven art from spider silk.

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