Read article: Sticky materials un-stick themselves in jumps Polymers Research update Sticky materials un-stick themselves in jumps New work could change the way we think about how soft materials adhere to surfaces
Read article: Liquid crystal elastomers make morphing fabric Polymers Research update Liquid crystal elastomers make morphing fabric New type of fibre reversibly changes shape in response to temperature
Read article: Ferroelectric polymer goes elastic Polymers Research update Ferroelectric polymer goes elastic New material might be employed in wearable electronics and implantable devices
Read article: Untangling the mechanisms behind surgical knot strength Polymers Research update Untangling the mechanisms behind surgical knot strength New finding could be used to train surgeons or robots to tie stronger, safer sutures
Read article: Membrane mirrors take off for use in large space telescopes Telescopes and space missions Research update Membrane mirrors take off for use in large space telescopes High-quality, flexible mirrors could be rolled up for transport on a spacecraft
Read article: Solar-driven hydrogel purifies contaminated water Materials for energy Research update Solar-driven hydrogel purifies contaminated water Loofah-inspired material could supply enough drinking-quality water to meet a person’s daily requirements
Read article: Bubbles make bandages stickier Biomedical devices Research update Bubbles make bandages stickier Researchers control the stickiness of medical adhesives using ultrasound and microbubbles
Read article: Light restores charge to slippery surfaces Nanomaterials Research update Light restores charge to slippery surfaces New material could be used to make controllable robotic droplets and lab-on-a-chip devices for diagnosis and analysis
Read article: Incredible ionogel is ultra-tough and super-stretchy Polymers Research update Incredible ionogel is ultra-tough and super-stretchy Material is made using a unique one-step technique
Read article: Wood-based conductors could make Li-ion batteries safer Materials for energy Research update Wood-based conductors could make Li-ion batteries safer New material might be used as a solid battery electrolyte or as an ion-conducting binder for the cathode of an all-solid-state device