Materials Science

Materials Science

Nanotube carpet mimics gecko feet

Carbon nanotubes can outdo the extraordinary sticking power of a gecko's foot hairs.

Materials Science

Bright Future

Energy-efficient, semiconductor-based chips called light-emitting diodes will begin to illuminate homes and offices within the next decade, displacing power-hungry incandescent and fluorescent lighting.

Materials Science

Lube Tune-Up: Motor oil from recycled plastic could improve automotive-fuel efficiency

Chemists have developed a technique for making high-performance lubricating oils from recycled plastic.

Materials Science

Whisking Whiskers: Nanobrushes sweep up

Researchers have made microscopic brushes with carbon nanotube bristles.

Materials Science

Micropower Heats Up: Propane fuel cell packs a lot of punch

Portable electronic devices such as laptops and MP3 players could soon run on miniature fuel cells that consume propane.

Materials Science

Tissue Tether: Improved conducting plastic could boost nerve-regeneration success

Biomedical engineers aim to repair damaged nerves with a chemically modified conducting polymer that stimulates the growth of nerve cells.

Materials Science

Something to Chew On

Researchers are closer than ever to making synthetic enamel to improve dental implants and perhaps to grow a whole tooth from scratch.

Materials Science

Shape shifter

Scientists have created a polymer that, after being deformed, will revert to its original shape when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Materials Science

Clever Coating: New polymer may prolong life of medical implants

Coating medical implants such as glucose sensors and coronary stents with copper-doped polymers could dramatically extend the devices' functioning.

Materials Science

Nanostructures mimic Inuit stone sculptures

Chemists have created nanoscale versions Inuit rock sculptures, an advance that could facilitate the development of next-generation sensors and electronic devices.

Materials Science

Slick Surfaces: Pressure builds to make better motor oils

Motor oil's protection against the wear and tear of steel engine parts takes effect only at high pressures.

Materials Science

Venetian Grinds

Venetian Renaissance artists, renowned for their vibrant colors, mixed powdered glass with their paints in an attempt to expand their palettes and create unique optical effects.