Biochar may be one of the most multi-talented materials in existence—do you know what your leftover orange peels are capable of?
Category: Materials
Melanin nanoparticles to better protect our cells
How does melanin protect cells from damaging radiation? How can this ability be improved?
Monitoring Vital Signs with Temporary Tattoos
Skin-conforming, ultra-thin wearable medical sensors could make going to the doctor less invasive than ever before. This newly developed, “tattooable” sensor uses a newly developed material to create one of the thinnest yet.
Catching it Early: New Ways of Detecting Coronavirus
Coronavirus has affected every one of us directly or indirectly. Early detection can lower the spread of the disease. Let’s learn about a new technique for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
How effective are fabric masks?
The COVID-19 global pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives, including the daily use of face masks. But how well do home-made fabric masks really filter the air we breathe?
These artificial muscles don’t mind being “light” weight
Light-responsive substances are all the rage; find out how one research group invented a new class of photomechanical materials.
Hydrogenation without turning up the heat
Researchers discover a new way to dope high-melting oxides in solution with hydrogen.
Evolution of Medical Diagnosis with Sound Waves
Innovation in healthcare sector is important now more than ever. Let’s learn about how researchers used sound waves to develop a new technology for rapid, bed-side testing of haemoglobin.
What a shock: material changes can impact charge
The amount of charging on an object changes when it is folded or unfolded.
Modifying Nature’s Biomachines: Putting Hats on Sperm Cells
Micromachines that can swim through the bloodstream could be a powerful tool to deliver essential medicine. But why design synthetic micromotors when one already exists in biology?
Expansion under pressure
Some materials expand when pressure is applied. A new member of this class of materials does so to an unprecedented extent, taking advantage of 3D rather than 2D design.
A brain found in glass pieces
Archaeologists in Herculaneum, in the south of Italy, discovered a black, glassy material that turned out to be… a human brain.
What happens when you add crap to graphene? Literally.
Graphene’s amazing properties make it one of the most popular new materials in recent years. But what if we could improve it with an unlikely additive?
Nanoparticles when you need them and where you want them
Nanocomposites bring together the fields of polymers and nanoparticles. A new technique to synthesize them gives researchers more control over their formation
“Buckling” down on flexible electronics
Researchers have combined biological with inorganic nanoparticles to introduce a new flexible electronic ink using cooperative “buckling” effects.
Medical electronics inspired by our skin
A new study describes a semiconductor that is stretchable and degrades completely in acid – which can be used in next-generation electronics.
Trapping air pollution with artificial spiderwebs
Filters are one of the best ways to trap and remove pollution and small particles from the air. Let’s learn how spiderweb-like networks can be made from polymer into incredible filters.
Zapping Infections Before They Start With Self-Heating Graphene Filters
Hospitals are supposed to be havens for sick people, but they can also be breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria. A new kind of air filter for hospital HVAC systems can both remove and destroy bacteria for the air, helping prevent infections before they can start.
A fifty-year-old question about molecular structure answered with a picture
What does a ring of 18 carbon atoms look like? An atomic scale image settles the debate.
What’s blacker than black?
There’s a new record holder for the world’s blackest material. Learn about how randomly oriented carbon nanotubes can be used to create a coating darker than anything else ever made!
“Uncorking” a Mini Machine
Scientists discover a novel mechanism for taking apart tiny machines
“Invisible Ink” Nanoparticle Fingerprint Paper
A more secure way to collect biometric data: this nanoparticle-based paper uses your sweat as an “invisible ink” for fingerprints!
Draw your own circuits with liquid metal
Electrical circuits can be drawn, erased, and redrawn with ease on this new material that uses liquid metal particles suspended in a polymer network. Check out how it’s made and its potential uses in flexible electronics!
A View With A Future: Perovskites in Solar Windows
Sure, solar panels can be installed on your roof, but that might not provide enough power – and no one wants to cover their garden with solar panels. That’s why researchers are studying new perovskite/organic materials for solar windows.
Using Aerogel to Harness the Greenhouse Effect for Good
Switching to solar energy is one of the ways we can fight against climate change. Let’s learn how something as harmful as the greenhouse effect can be used to create better solar devices!