Collaborate Disseminate
Scientists at the University of Maryland have developed a novel material with excellent absorption abilities, which they imagine finding use everywhere from kitchens to operating theaters. The team’s gel sheet can soak up and hold around three times mo… Continue reading Gel sheets soak up three times as much liquid as paper towel
As one of the strongest materials known to science, spider silk regularly finds itself at the center of exciting engineering breakthroughs, and a new study involving a quick chemical bath could take this research into new terrain. Scientists have devel… Continue reading Chemically bathed silkworm silk is 70% stronger than spider silk
Engineers at Monash University have developed a new 3D-printable titanium alloy with a unique microstructure that makes it ultra-strong. Not only is it stronger than most other forms of titanium, but it has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any 3… Continue reading New titanium alloy has highest specific strength of any 3D-printed metal
Old electronics are tricky to recycle, meaning they clog up landfills while locking valuable metals away. Now scientists have demonstrated printed circuits that can be degraded on demand, returning their materials to reusable forms.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Electronic circuit degrades on demand into recyclable pieces
As wind power comes to play a larger role in the renewable energy mix, some scientists are casting their eye deeper into the future to address the issue of waste. We’ve seen some inventive ideas around how giant turbine blades might be saved from landf… Continue reading Bioplastic for wind turbine blades can be recycled into gummy bears
Joint pain is a common ailment of aging, thanks to cartilage’s tendency to wear out. Now, researchers at Duke University have developed a new hydrogel that’s stronger and more durable than the real thing, which could make for longer lasting knee implan… Continue reading Hydrogel that outperforms cartilage could be in human knees in 2023
Microplastics are a growing environmental problem, but a new study could help cut out a decent chunk of them. The authors showed that silk could be a biodegradable replacement for microbeads and plastic particles that are often added to cosmetics, pain… Continue reading MIT’s silk capsules aim to take a bite out of microplastic pollution
Plastics are tough and versatile materials, which is great when they’re in use but not so good when they end up in the environment. Scientists at EPFL have now developed a new PET-like plastic material derived from waste plant matter that can be chemic… Continue reading Plant-based plastic strong as PET, degrades into sugars in the environment
For a large part of human history, people made things from what they could find. Some stones make arrowheads. Others make sparks. Trees can turn into lumber. But the real …read more Continue reading Glass: Classic, but Mysterious
Scientists experimenting with the makeup of metal alloys used for medical implants have made a significant breakthrough, resulting in a biomaterial with supreme flexibility and wear resistance. The team’s new superelastic alloy overcomes some key safet… Continue reading New superelastic metal alloy bends it like bone for safer implants