Matter and Its Interactions

Environment

Old clothes soon may be recycled, not trashed

One day, clothes may be recycled almost as much as plastics and glass are now. See how chemists are moving us in that direction.

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.

Materials Science

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.

Chemistry

Ordinary paper turns into flexible human-powered keypad

Engineers have figured out how to turn sheets of paper into rugged, low-cost electronic devices, such as a computer keypad.

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.

Animals

Polluting microplastics harm both animals and ecosystems

Researchers are beginning to uncover the real-world impacts of polluting microplastic bits on animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Materials Science

‘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.

Environment

Batteries not included: This Game Boy look-alike doesn’t need them

Game Boy revolutionized the gaming industry. A newer version could help slow the rate of climate change.

Environment

Washing your jeans too much might pose risks to the environment

Jeans shed thousands of denim fibers in every wash. Those fibers, and the chemicals used to treat them, now are showing up in even the Arctic Ocean.

Climate

Changing climates can take cooling tips from warm regions

When summer heat waves hit northern cities, people might look to keep cool using tropical building strategies — and forgotten architectural wisdom.

Chemistry

Study acid-base chemistry with at-home volcanoes

Baking soda volcanoes are a fun demonstration, and with a few tweaks they can be an experiment, too

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.