Materials Science : Science World Report

Nov 27, 2014 09:22 AM EST

New Plastic Disappears with Ultraviolet Light

Imagine plastic that actually disappeared. Sounds impossible, right? Now, though, scientists may be able to create a new type of plastic that can be broken down when exposed to a specific type of light.

Nov 27, 2014 06:36 AM EST

New Reflection Material Beams Heat into Space and Cools the Planet

Engineers may have come up with a new material that beams heat back into space.

Nov 20, 2014 08:52 AM EST

Gecko-Inspired Gloves Allows You to Scale Glass Walls Like Spiderman

Spiderman has some competition. Scientists have created gloves that allow the user to scale glass walls like a gecko.

Nov 19, 2014 08:52 AM EST

Scientists Discover New Form of Crystalline Order for Thermoelectric Devices

Scientists have discovered a completely new form of crystalline order that exhibits two different properties: crystal and polycrystalline. The new material could potentially improve the efficiency of thermoelectric devices.

Nov 03, 2014 11:12 AM EST

New Method Transforms Crop Waste into Valuable Chemicals to Replace Petroleum

Imagine taking waste from crops and, instead of throwing it away, turning it into something useful. Scientists are doing just that with a new technique.

Sep 23, 2014 08:06 AM EDT

Ultra-Thin Diamond Nanothreads May Form Cables to Create 'Space Elevator'

Imagine cables strong enough and light enough to haul an "elevator" into space. Scientists may have just taken a step closer to doing just that. For the first time, they've discovered how to produce ultra-thin "diamond nanothreads."

Aug 14, 2014 10:25 AM EDT

New 'Shape-Shifting' Material Could Reconstruct Faces by Filling Bone Defects

There may be a new material that could help reconstruct faces. Scientists have created a self-fitting material that can expand with warm salt water to precisely fill bone defects, and can even act as a scaffold for new bone growth.

Aug 13, 2014 08:56 AM EDT

Geckos Can Turn Their Sticky Toe Hairs On and Off When Hanging Out

Scientists have taken a closer look at the gecko's sticky talent and have found that the animal can turn the "stickiness" of its toe hairs on and off in order to be able to run while still adhering to surfaces.

Jul 21, 2014 09:38 AM EDT

New Material May Trap Harmful Noble Gases in a Cage by 'Breathing'

A new material may just have the potential to trap harmful gases that are used in industries that range from lighting to medicine. Scientists have created CC3, a new material which could be helpful in removing unwanted or hazardous radioactive elements.

May 21, 2014 08:17 AM EDT

Super Waterproof Materials Cause Water to Bounce like a Ball on Hydrophobic Surfaces

Scientists have created a super-hydrophobic material that's so repellent, it causes water to almost act like a solid.

May 17, 2014 08:49 AM EDT

Spider Webs Spin Solution to New Adhesive Materials

Spiders spin super-sticky silk in order to capture their prey. Now, though, scientists are taking some inspiration from these strands to create more efficient and stronger commercial and biomedical adhesives.

Mar 23, 2014 11:12 PM EDT