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Using a new method of observing microscopic changes in a material's behavior, scientists have spotted very cool properties in a water-methanol compound called methanol monohydrate. These crystals get smaller when warmed, but when you apply pressure to them (i.e., poke them), they expand outwards. This material is thought to be a major component of the icy moons of our solar system. Get ready for methanol monohydrate mines on the moons of Saturn. More »
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Concrete Cloth makes the perfect addition to your apocalyptic shopping list. The flexible cloth is easily transported, but transforms into a sturdy concrete shelter after it gets wet. More »
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Soon we'll have special gloves and shoes that allow us to climb smooth, vertical surfaces — and even walk across ceilings. A team of researchers at UC Berkeley has created a plastic microfiber that imitates the "stickiness" of gecko feet, which are covered in tiny hairs that attach to smooth surfaces. Already, the researchers are predicting they'll be able to walk robots across the ceiling using their microfibers, and humans could be next. More »
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This image shows the precise arrangement of atoms that form a bridge between two gold crystals. Until yesterday, you would not have been able to see that image — at least, not with such clarity and color. It's the product one of the world's most powerful transmission electron microscopes, installed yesterday at UC Berkeley, which can deliver crisp images of objects that are less than half the diameter of a hydrogen atom. Want to see the microscope? More »
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