Important Innovations Collection

Much More Efficient Gold Source: University of Leeds Widespread Applications, Including Electronics & Medical Devices Researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK have created the world's thinnest gold.  It's just two atoms thick and is considered 2D because it's composed of just two layers of atoms measuring .47 nanometers.  That's one million times thinner than your finger.  It's a scientific breakthrough that enables the potential of using gold more efficiently in existing technology, developing more 2D metals and innovating nanomaterial manufacturing. Scaling Up Manufacturing The new, ultra thin gold is ten times more efficient as a catalytic substrate than currently used gold nanoparticles.  It could have widespread use in electronics, medical devices and as a catalyst in industrial processes.  The University of Leeds scientists just published their invention in the journal Advanced Science.  They are currently looking to scale up pr...

4D Printed Metamaterial Changes Shape When Heated Source:  Rutgers University The 4th Dimension is Time - Breakthrough Materials Science This is fascinating innovation from materials scientists and engineers at Rutgers University.  They have invented a new class of metamaterials not found in nature.  The  4D materials are lightweight, flexible and can change their shapes in 4D in response to changes in temperature. Enabling New Generations of Aircraft and More The possible uses of these new materials are amazing.  They could enable new generations of aircraft, soft robots and small medical devices.  When heated the materials take on different shapes, change their stiffness, deform and then return to their original shape. Stiff As Wood and Soft as a Sponge The stiffness of the material can be changed more than 100 fold between a room temperature of 73 degrees and 194 degrees F.  The metamaterials can be stiff as wood or soft as a sponge a...

First Ever Fabric that Automatically Adjusts to Environment Source:  University of Maryland New Temperature Adjusting Fabric This is a world first.   A wearable material that automatically adapts its insulating capabilities to changes in its environment.  This is pioneering research toward the commercialization of comfort adjusting clothing. Gates Heat and Cold University of Maryland researchers have created the new fabric.  The material "gates" heat and cold.  According to the research team, this is the first technology to dynamically gate infrared radiation.  To put it simply, the fabric let's heat go out if it get hot and holds it in if it's cold.  The scientists say the process is so fast, you're not aware of changing temperature conditions. Smart Fabric To automatically adjust temperatures, the fabric is engineered with specially designed yarn coated with a conductive metal.  To take this commercial, more research is needed an...