Tipsy sludge worms simulate active polymers
Worms’ viscosity is controlled using temperature and alcohol
Read article: Tipsy sludge worms simulate active polymers
Read article: Tipsy sludge worms simulate active polymers
Capsule-deformation model predicts whether a water balloon will burst
New findings could have practical implications in areas such as fire-fighting and riot control
Read article: Capsule-deformation model predicts whether a water balloon will burst
Light activation offers non-invasive removal of medical implants
Devices incorporating a light-sensitive hydrogel break down inside the body when exposed to light from an ingestible LED capsule
Read article: Light activation offers non-invasive removal of medical implants
Making plastics less flammable
A polystyrene that incorporates ultrafine particles of iron in a mesoporous silica matrix is less likely to ignite and produces less smoke when heated
Read article: Making plastics less flammable
Catalytic technique ‘upcycles’ single-use plastic
New method could turn waste products into oils, lubricants and waxes found in everyday detergents and cosmetics
Read article: Catalytic technique ‘upcycles’ single-use plastic
Turbulence transforms polymers into gecko-like dendrites
Unusual-looking polymers have strong adhesive properties
Read article: Turbulence transforms polymers into gecko-like dendrites
Material lattice morphs into doubly curved shapes
Technique could produce scalable, reversible, shape-shifting structures with hitherto unseen complexity for use in a host of practical applications
Read article: Material lattice morphs into doubly curved shapes
Surfactant monolayers help make polymer crystals
SMAIS technique produces synthetic covalent organic 2D polymer sheets with the largest crystalline domain sizes ever
Read article: Surfactant monolayers help make polymer crystals
Optical lace could make a ‘nervous system’ for robots
New fibrous material could allow robots to feel touch and sense how they interact with their environment
Read article: Optical lace could make a ‘nervous system’ for robots
Protein building blocks make sustainable organic batteries
Protein batteries could be promising alternatives to conventional lithium-ion devices
Read article: Protein building blocks make sustainable organic batteries
