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03/06/2020 / By Franz Walker

“Pantry” science: MIT researchers grow carbon nanotubes using common kitchen ingredients

When the subject of carbon nanotubes is brought up, most people probably won’t think of something that can be cooked up in a kitchen. However, a team of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have done just that – creating carbon nanotubes with the help of common household materials. Led by Richard Li, a graduate student in […]

02/13/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Seashell-inspired shatterproof glass: Researchers engineer strong composite glass based on mother of pearl that can resist impact

Despite their delicate appearance, seashells are surprisingly durable. This unexpected durability comes from the tough, impact-resistant substance known as nacre, also known as mother of pearl. Nacre is an organic-inorganic composite material that also gives seashells their signature iridescence. It is made up of microscopic calcium carbonate tablets mortared together by proteins. Arranged like bricks, […]

02/04/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Scientists develop new insulation material inspired by polar bears

It’s a well-known fact that living organisms have evolved well-adapted structures and materials over geological time through a process called natural selection. These include unique properties such as hydrophobicity or natural waterproofing, heat retention, bioluminescence and coloration as well as unique methods of flight and locomotion. Throughout history, scientists and engineers have made it a […]

11/21/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Physicists develop new material that could be used for “high-efficiency, lower-cost solar cells”

Researchers have not yet solved the biggest weakness of solar panels – their inability to produce power when there is no steady source of bright light. However, they were happy to announce that they have increased the efficiency of perovskite solar cells to take advantage of the limited daylight hours. University of Toledo (UT) researcher Dr. […]

10/31/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Advancing detection and diagnosis: Scientists enable 3D printers to print glass using material called chalcogenide glass

Additive manufacturing systems have added another challenging material to the list of things they may print on the fly. Canadian researchers demonstrated the capability to print out chalcogenide glass with a modified 3D printer. Chalcogenide glass is a type of covalently bonded glass that contains certain chemicals called “chalcogens.” It sees extensive use in optical […]

10/29/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Understanding metallic glass: Scientists discover liquid metals form structures that help solidify metallic glasses

When you think of liquids, they usually don’t form structures that stop their atoms and molecules from flowing freely. But Yale researchers demonstrated that the right circumstances allow liquid metals to create the rigid shapes required by metallic glasses. Furthermore, they proposed that the structures formed by liquid metals might play a significant role in […]

10/14/2019 / By Darnel Fernandez

New polymer conductor films are lightweight and perform better than most metals

Many polymers – materials made with long, chain-like molecules – are very good insulators of heat and are usually the go-to material for thermal insulation. However, a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications managed to turn the idea of polymer insulators on its head as researchers were able to develop polymer films that can conduct heat, a property normally associated […]

09/29/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Specks of gold: Understanding the benefits and risks of nanomaterials in cosmetics that use gold nanoparticles

Are gold nanoparticles safe for human use and consumption? European researchers have recently evaluated the benefits and risks of using nanomaterials in cosmetics, pharmaceutical drugs, and other products. Many sectors use tiny particles to create new materials and technologies. Their small size gives the nanomaterials many advantages. Changing the size, shape, and the molecules bound […]

09/29/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Healing with hair: Can nanostructures from human hair be used to design smart biomedical materials?

In the future, your hair may provide the natural ingredients for making biomedicine that treats illness. A recent Chinese study has shown that the tiny structures in human hair might be turned into useful biomaterials. Wuhan University (WHU) researchers examined the melanin and keratin polymers in hair. They isolated the micro- and nanostructures found on these substances. […]

08/18/2019 / By Rex Carter

New metamaterial can silence sound

A new (and quiet) era of acoustics is opening up as engineers from Boston University have created a material that can silence noise without reducing airflow. In their study, which appeared in the journal Physical Review B, researchers led by Professor Xin Zhang and doctorate student Reza Ghaffarivardavagh of Boston University’s mechanical engineering department built what they called an “acoustic metamaterial.” They […]

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