Materials Science

Tech

Bye-bye batteries? Power a phone with fabric or a beacon with sound

New piezoelectric systems produce electricity in unusual ways, such as when a certain nylon bends or underwater ceramics vibrate.

Chemistry

A soil-based ‘concrete’ could make buildings green, even on Mars

A new soil-based material offers an alternative to concrete for 3-D printing environmentally friendly buildings.

Tech

Flexible devices may help clothes solar power your screens

A fluorescent polymer duo boosts the efficiency of solar cells. One day this material may coat your jacket, hat or backpack to provide power on the go.

Chemistry

Here’s how to make flip-flops biodegradable

Innovative flip-flops made from an algae-based plastic decompose in soil or compost. The comfy shoes also avoid use of fossil fuels.

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.

Tech

This artificial skin feels ‘ghosts’ — things you wish were there

Engineers have developed a wearable device that simulates the sense of touch. It may benefit robotic surgery and deep-sea exploration.

Materials Science

Analyze This: Insect shells could help builders on Mars

When mixed with rocky soil, a compound called chitin makes a strong material. It could be pulled from the shells of insects used for food.

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.

Climate

Let’s learn about solar power

Solar power is a way to harness energy from the sun, and lessen our reliance on fossil fuels.

Chemistry

How 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.

Materials Science

Will 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.

Chemistry

Let’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.