Materials Science

  1. Materials Science

    A sticky issue

    Peeling off adhesive tape can be frustrating, and now researchers know why.

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  2. Materials Science

    Cellulose that stiffens and softens

    A material inspired by sea cucumbers morphs from rigid to soft.

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  3. Materials Science

    Fishy flash

    Fish alter the growth of crystals in their skin, making it supershiny.

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  4. Materials Science

    Life in Print

    Tissues printed with an ink-jet could provide patches for damaged organs, new cell-based materials for drug testing, new ways to probe cellular communication, living sensors, or even fuel cell–type batteries.

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  5. Materials Science

    Snappy Transition: Venus flytrap inspires new materials

    Inspired by the quick-shut action of the Venus flytrap, researchers have designed a patterned surface with microscale hills that can rapidly flip to form valleys.

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  6. Materials Science

    Printing scheme could yield 3-D photonic crystals

    An innovative printing scheme makes three-dimensional crystal structures that could be used to control the flow of light.

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  7. Materials Science

    Polymer could improve natural gas purification

    A new polymer membrane that efficiently separates carbon dioxide from methane could greatly ease the processing of natural gas.

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  8. Materials Science

    Feet of clay, but superstrong

    Gluing together nanoscale clay particles with a simple adhesive creates a strong but flexible material.

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  9. Materials Science

    Shocking Sheets: Power paper packs a punch

    Ultrathin sheets made from cellulose and carbon nanotubes could serve as flexible, versatile batteries.

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  10. Materials Science

    Pliable carbon

    The layers of carbon atoms that form graphite can be assembled into strong but flexible "graphene paper."

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  11. Materials Science

    Crinkle wrinkle

    Wrinkles reveal a thin film's thickness and elasticity.

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  12. Materials Science

    Gecko adhesive gets added mussel

    A new adhesive that borrows tricks from the gecko and the mussel can stick and detach repeatedly and works even when wet.

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