Room temperature metalworking inspired by insects and crab shells

Metalworking usually requires very high heat and pressure, but scientists in Singapore have now demonstrated a way to make very pure metal structures at room temperature. It’s inspired by the exoskeletons of crabs and insects.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Room temperature metalworking inspired by insects and crab shells

Rapid liquid-metal 3D-printing process produces large parts in minutes

Researchers have come up with a 3D printing method using liquid metal that’s claimed to produce structures at least 10 times faster than existing metal additive manufacturing processes, though it does so at the expense of fine detail.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Rapid liquid-metal 3D-printing process produces large parts in minutes

Safer P-CARE intravenous needle softens once inserted into body

While intravenous needles need to be rigid in order to pierce the skin, that rigidity sometimes causes damage to the veins. A new needle addresses that issue by softening upon insertion into the patient’s body – plus it reduces the likelihood of needle… Continue reading Safer P-CARE intravenous needle softens once inserted into body

Liquid-metal-coated smart fabric ‘heals’ itself when cut, repels bacteria

Science continues to advance smart fabrics that respond to environmental changes, and provide more ‘services’ to their wearers. Now, a team of international researchers has created a wearable textile that repairs itself, is antibacterial, and could eve… Continue reading Liquid-metal-coated smart fabric ‘heals’ itself when cut, repels bacteria

Liquid-metal-based material forms airtight seal for flexible electronics

A team of researchers has developed a new material that’s not only elastic, but is impervious to gases and liquids – something that this kind of material is usually bad at. The material could be useful for making flexible batteries or wearable electron… Continue reading Liquid-metal-based material forms airtight seal for flexible electronics

Tiny metal snowflakes demonstrate new nanoscale manufacturing methods

Researchers in New Zealand and Australia have grown tiny metal snowflakes, cubes, rods and other shapes. The nanocrystals form like snow out of a liquid metal, demonstrated an intriguing new potential method for manufacturing nanoscale structures.Conti… Continue reading Tiny metal snowflakes demonstrate new nanoscale manufacturing methods

Liquid-metal tech could allow implants to be dissolved instead of removed

Currently, small metal implants either have to be surgically removed from the body once they’re no longer needed, or just left inside indefinitely – both of which can lead to complications. Now, however, scientists have devised a method of breaking the… Continue reading Liquid-metal tech could allow implants to be dissolved instead of removed

Powerful platinum catalyst remains liquid at room temperature

Researchers have created a form of platinum that can remain liquid at room temperature, by mixing tiny amounts of the precious metal with gallium. This new liquid platinum performs catalytic reactions more efficiently than a solid platinum catalyst, us… Continue reading Powerful platinum catalyst remains liquid at room temperature