Materials Science

Materials Science

Microbe holds fast

A common aquatic microbe makes a sticky substance that produces the strongest biological adhesion ever discovered.

Materials Science

Wired Viruses: New electrodes could make better batteries

With the aid of a bacteria-infecting virus, researchers have engineered cobalt oxide-and-gold nanowires that can be used as electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Materials Science

Spin City

Researchers are using a technique called electrospinning to create fibrous mats that have potential applications in drug delivery, wound care, and tissue engineering.

Materials Science

Making the Most of It

A recent crop of studies demonstrates how nature finds strength in unlikely places.

Materials Science

The art of the fold

With DNA origami, researchers can make complex nanostructures.

Materials Science

Networking with Friends: Nanotech material reconnects severed neurons

A new material made of nanometer-sized protein particles appears to be able to bridge the gap between severed nerves.

Materials Science

Busy Little Recyclers: Chemical process, microbial metabolism transform trash-bound plastics

A two-step approach that converts a common plastic into a biodegradable polymer may cut the number of packing peanuts and Styrofoam cups that end up in landfills.

Materials Science

Mother-of-Pearl on Ice: New ceramics might serve in bones and machines

Ceramics made by freezing water in an unusual way mimic not only the complicated microstructure of mother-of-pearl but also its extraordinary strength and toughness.

Materials Science

Engineering membranes from cellular parts

Chemists have for the first time spun the molecules that make up cellular membranes into fibrous networks.

Materials Science

Making waves

Scientists have created thin, wavy silicon ribbons that stretch along with their rubber backing.

Materials Science

Atom Hauler: Molecular rig snags multi-atom loads

Specialists in atomic-scale construction can now use a new molecule to gather small groups of atoms and drop them, as clusters, at specific locations.

Materials Science

Up to Snuff: Nanotube network fights flames

Researchers have found that infusing plastics with a network of carbon nanotubes reduces their flammability.