Maze-like material keeps even the smallest insects from reaching crops

Instead of using insecticides, farmers will sometimes cover their plants with a mesh fabric. A new such material has now been developed, which keeps out a wider range of bugs while still allowing crops to get enough sunlight and water.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Maze-like material keeps even the smallest insects from reaching crops

Electronic textile makes for touchscreen curtains or clothes

Textiles have been getting smarter for years, but they’re usually fairly limited in size and scope. Now a team of scientists led by Cambridge has woven together a 46-inch textile display, loaded with LEDs, sensors and energy storage, which can be made … Continue reading Electronic textile makes for touchscreen curtains or clothes

Electronic textile makes for touchscreen curtains or clothes

Textiles have been getting smarter for years, but they’re usually fairly limited in size and scope. Now a team of scientists led by Cambridge has woven together a 46-inch textile display, loaded with LEDs, sensors and energy storage, which can be made … Continue reading Electronic textile makes for touchscreen curtains or clothes

Tannic acid utilized to “stain” odor-eliminating silver onto clothing

Red wine and chocolate are notorious for staining clothes, thanks to the tannic acid that they and other substances contain. Scientists at the University of Tokyo have now used that acid in a textile coating which keeps clothes from stinking, and that … Continue reading Tannic acid utilized to “stain” odor-eliminating silver onto clothing

Fusion Bra draws on 3D printing/scanning tech for a custom fit

It’s no secret that finding a comfortably fitting bra can be difficult, often requiring multiple failed attempts. That’s where the Braave system comes in, as it uses 3D printing and scanning technology to produce client-specific custom-fit “Fusion Bras… Continue reading Fusion Bra draws on 3D printing/scanning tech for a custom fit

PocketView tech shines LED messages through clothing

Although we have heard about “smart” fabrics which could be used in clothing that displays data, it’s unlikely that most garments will ever be made of such high-tech materials. The PocketView system, however, shines its display through existing “dumb” … Continue reading PocketView tech shines LED messages through clothing

New jean-dying process shouldn’t give the environment the blues

While we may think of blue jeans as kind of earthy, basic clothing, the process by which they’re dyed is definitely not eco-friendly. That may soon no longer be the case, however, thanks to the development of a new coloration technique.Continue Reading… Continue reading New jean-dying process shouldn’t give the environment the blues

MIT’s world-first digital fabric can collect, store and process data

While the fabrics we wear today might keep us warm and protect us from the elements, scientists continue to demonstrate how they might soon do far more than that. MIT scientist Yoel Fink has been at the cutting edge of this field for more than a decade… Continue reading MIT’s world-first digital fabric can collect, store and process data

Conductive cellulose threads form fabrics that produce electricity

Thanks to advances in materials and electronics, we are starting to see how our clothing might one day do more than keep us warm or protect us from the elements. Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have offered a compelling new example of w… Continue reading Conductive cellulose threads form fabrics that produce electricity