Animals
The diabolical ironclad beetle is nearly unsquishable
The diabolical ironclad beetle is an incredibly tough little creature. A peek inside its exoskeleton reveals what makes it virtually uncrushable.
Materials Science
More Stories in Materials Science
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Tech‘Frozen smoke’ could protect electronics from annoying static
A fluffy material made from cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires can protect electronic devices by blocking more than 99.99 percent of disrupting interference, a new study reveals.
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ClimateLet’s learn about solar power
Solar power is a way to harness energy from the sun, and lessen our reliance on fossil fuels.
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ChemistryHow to recycle ‘nonrecyclable’ plastics
A new process can convert some nonrecyclable plastics into a type that now can be reused. That could greatly cut down on wastes sent to landfills.
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Materials ScienceWill bacterial ‘wires’ one day power your phone?
An accidental discovery helps scientists generate electricity out of thin —but humid — air with bacteria-made protein nanowires.
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ChemistryLet’s learn about batteries
Many things in our lives rely on batteries. Here’s how scientists are working to make new ones — and make existing batteries safer.
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PhysicsShape-shifting cuts give shoes a better grip
With pop-out structures inspired by kirigami and animals, a shoe sole goes from flat to spiky to boost friction on slippery surfaces such as ice.
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ChemistryScientists Say: Polymer
Polymers can be natural or man-made, but they are all big molecules made up of smaller units linked together.
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PlantsSilk-based microneedles may help treat diseased plants
Engineers have invented silk microneedles to inject medicines into plants. One day farmers might use drones to dart their sick plants with meds from the air.
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SpaceAstronauts may be able to make cement with their own pee
Lunar dust and a compound found in urine might one day be used to build future dwellings on the moon, a new study finds.