Materials Science
This house is partly made of recycled diapers
After being washed, dried, sanitized and shredded, used diapers were mixed with other materials to make a strong concrete.
Materials Science
More Stories in Materials Science
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TechNew technologies could keep people cool in a warming world
New approaches to air conditioning aim to keep people cool with fewer greenhouse-gas emissions as our world warms.
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TechA new solar-powered gel purifies water in a flash
The unusual, fruit-inspired structure of this material provides quick filtration that could satisfy people's daily water needs.
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TechMagnetic fields melt and re-form new shape-shifting devices
Miniature machines made of gallium and magnetic particles can switch from solid to liquid and back.
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ChemistryChemists have unlocked the secrets of long-lasting Roman concrete
By searching ancient texts and ruins, scientists found a concrete recipe that could make buildings stronger — and help address climate change.
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Materials ScienceLet’s learn about piezoelectric materials
Piezoelectric materials turn mechanical energy into electrical energy — and vice versa.
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Materials ScienceAnalyze This: Algae behind blue-glowing waves light up a new device
Some algae glow blue when they experience forces. Held in transparent plastic, they now make devices light up in response to gentle pushes and tugs.
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Materials ScienceLet’s learn about the weird science of ice
Better understanding of ice could lead to new deicing materials or even, someday, weather control.
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TechNew robot can pick up a single drop of liquid
The new device, which looks like a pair of plastic pinchers, is the first to be able to pick up individual droplets of liquid.
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Materials ScienceScientists Say: Hydrogel
Tangled polymer chains help hydrogels hold their shape despite being full of water.