With a single RNA tweak, researchers produce user-friendly hydrogels that respond to different environmental triggers in various ways from chemical release to electrical fusing
Read article: Simple tweak reprogrammes DNA-responsive hydrogel smart materials
Polymer/metal combination provides the potential for inexpensive, all-day radiative cooling
Read article: Electricity-free cooling material system shows potential
Controlled “crazing” can colour polymers for many possible applications
Read article: Ink-free polymers colour under stress
Silicone-based material could be used in wearable electronics
Read article: New ‘flexoelectret’ material could create high voltages when bent
New result could help in the development of artificial muscles for soft robotics
Read article: Negative order appears in liquid crystals
Surprising new behaviour is similar to that in dissipative, far-from-equilibrium, biological systems capable of self-healing
Read article: Shear forces help make stretchable hydrogel
New technique could help with the serious problem of ever-increasing amounts of plastic waste
Read article: Bio-based monomers help upcycle plastic bottles
Novel elastomer that rapidly self-heals can be quickly printed in 3D
Read article: Broken shoes and tyres could be history thanks to new materials that repair themselves
Material that increases in strength in response to mechanical stress could be used to make fatigue-free structures for a host of industrial applications
Read article: Hydrogel material flexes its muscles
New technique could help improve additive manufacturing
Read article: Resonance photorheology technique sheds more light on 3D polymerization
