Physics

Chemistry

Bye-bye batteries? Power a phone with fabric or a beacon with sound

New piezoelectric systems produce electricity in unusual ways, such as when a certain nylon bends or underwater ceramics vibrate.

Chemistry

A soil-based ‘concrete’ could make buildings green, even on Mars

A new soil-based material offers an alternative to concrete for 3-D printing environmentally friendly buildings.

Chemistry

Flexible devices may help clothes solar power your screens

A fluorescent polymer duo boosts the efficiency of solar cells. One day this material may coat your jacket, hat or backpack to provide power on the go.

Physics

Researchers reveal the secret to the perfect football throw

The tip of a spiraling football follows the ball’s path. If you know a thing or two about gyroscopes, this is not what you’d expect.

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.

Math

Scientists Say: Velocity

Velocity is more than speed. It is both speed and the direction in which an object is traveling.

Animals

The diabolical ironclad beetle is nearly unsquishable

The diabolical ironclad beetle is an incredibly tough little creature. A peek inside its exoskeleton reveals what makes it virtually uncrushable.

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.

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

Here’s what bats ‘see’ when they explore the world with sound

High-speed cameras, fancy microphones and slick software are helping scientists get the best look yet at what bats perceive through echolocation.

Physics

Here’s how giant pumpkins get so big

Cinderella took a ride in a pumpkin coach. Though real pumpkins do get big enough, here’s why their ride would be uncomfortable at best.

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.