Materials Science

  1. Chemistry

    Cool Jobs: Repellent chemistry

    Chemistry is just one way to repel water in nature. Structure, or the shape of things, is another. To excel at water repellency, the lotus leaf relies on both.

    By Sid Perkins
  2. Climate

    Explainer: Why a tornado forms

    Tornadoes start with a thunderstorm. But they also require other ingredients, such as instability.

    By Andrew Bridges
  3. Animals

    Speedy sharkskin

    Tiny, toothlike bumps boost sharks’ swiftness.

    By Jennifer Cutraro
  4. Computing

    Electronic skin

    Tiny, nearly invisible devices stick to skin, ‘talk’ to computers.

    By Stephen Ornes
  5. Chemistry

    Superslim silicene

    Lab-made sheets of silicon are only one atom thick.

    By Stephen Ornes
  6. Materials Science

    Battery powered to heal

    With its own first-aid kit, this battery can really keep going.

    By Stephen Ornes
  7. Tech

    When love-hate is materially good

    Researchers copy nature's water-loving, water-repelling ways to make smarter stuff

    By Stefi Weisburd
  8. Chemistry

    The memory of a material

    A popular polymer can remember what shape it was in.

    By Stephen Ornes
  9. Tech

    The science of disappearing

    Invisibility cloaks and other new materials that play with light are in the works.

    By Stephen Ornes
  10. Tech

    Lighting goes digital

    Brighter and more efficient, LED lights are on the horizon.

    By Cynthia Graber
  11. Tech

    Switchable Lenses Improve Vision

    Special lenses that automatically focus can help people wearing eyeglasses see more clearly.

    By Emily Sohn
  12. Tech

    Fog Buster

    A special coating can prevent misty windows and reduce screen glare.

    By Sarah Webb