Materials Science

  1. Materials Science

    Magnets get flipped by light

    Controlling magnetism with lasers could lead to faster computer hard drives.

    By Andrew Grant
  2. Materials Science

    Nature-inspired camouflage changes its looks with light

    Thin, flexible new material steals the color-shifting capabilities of cephalopod skin.

    By Beth Mole
  3. Materials Science

    ‘Stuff Matters’ explores the science behind everyday objects

    Author Mark Miodownik explores why everyday materials look and behave the way they do.

    By Allison Bohac
  4. Chemistry

    Molecular cage traps rare gases

    Organic compound could cull valuable xenon from the air and detect cancer-causing radon in homes.

    By Beth Mole
  5. Materials Science

    Weird materials could make faster computers

    Topological insulators could speed up how computers switch between 1s and 0s.

    By Andrew Grant
  6. Chemistry

    Safe salt could yield cheaper, more efficient solar cells

    Magnesium chloride could be the key ingredient for concocting efficient solar cells with cadmium telluride.

    By Ashley Yeager
  7. Materials Science

    New invisibility cloak hides in the fog

    A simple invisibility cloak relies on hazy environments to mask objects.

    By Andrew Grant
  8. Chemistry

    Decay of Leonardo da Vinci drawing reflected in light

    Light that bounces off a Leonardo da Vinci drawing, widely considered a self-portrait, has revealed extensive chemical damage that causes yellowing.

    By Beth Mole
  9. Life

    A new twist on a twist

    Nature abounds with perfect helices. They show up in animal horns and seashells, in DNA and the young tendrils of plants. But helix formation can get complicated: In some cases, the direction of rotation can reverse as a helix grows.

    By Rachel Courtland
  10. Materials Science

    Jets of salty water make cellulose strands stronger

    When blasted by jets of water, nanoscale fibers of cellulose align to form ultra-tough strands that rival the strength of steel, a new study shows.

    By Ashley Yeager
  11. Cosmology

    2014 Kavli Prize winners announced

    Cosmic inflation, nanoscale imaging and a better understanding of memory earn million-dollar honors with the Kavli Prize.

    By Ashley Yeager
  12. Materials Science

    Recyclable superplastics made with old chemistry

    A new durable plastic and a self-healing gel are the first high-performance polymers that are easily recycled.

    By Beth Mole