Science and Technology of Advanced Materials

An injection made of a hydrogel containing stem cells could treat damaged tissue following a heart attack.

Magnetic field could boost blood vessel growth to regenerate damaged tissue.

Magnetic layers interact with sunlight differently, creating a temperature gradient that generates electricity day and night.

Neurone-like junctions made of mixed oxide-based materials could reduce the massive energy consumption of artificial intelligence operations.

Controlling the organization of molecules within polymer membranes could lead to more efficient fuel cells.

Ion-conducting gels that repair themselves following damage are under development for wearable electronics.

Heusler alloys are promising contenders for faster and more energy-efficient computing and memory storage devices.

Molecular interactions within gels and rubbers can be controlled to fabricate stronger and more elastic materials.

An artificial intelligence approach extracts how an aluminium alloy’s contents and manufacturing are related to specific mechanical properties.

From biomemory to implants, researchers are looking for ways to make more eco-friendly electronic components.

Complex algorithms can be taught to predict steel corrosion rates in coastal regions, helping engineers choose the best materials for each location.

Devices that can see shortwave infrared light, which is invisible to the naked eye, could soon become cheaper and more accessible to a broader consumer base.

A nanoparticle’s size is fine-tuned to offer high-resolution images before and during surgical procedures.

Materials inspired by the colour changes in a peacock’s feather could lead to anti-counterfeit and sensing applications.

Accurate measurements of crystalline deformation should help engineer stronger components for more energy-efficient turbines.

An artificial intelligence approach extracts how an aluminum alloy’s contents and manufacturing process are related to specific mechanical properties.

Scientists are looking for ways to make millions of molecule-sized robots swarm together so they can perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

From biomemory to implants, researchers are looking for ways to make more eco-friendly electronic components.

Materials with special electric properties can help promote bone’s natural healing processes.

Machine learning augments experimental and computational methods for cheaper predictions of material properties.

Tiny nanoparticles can illuminate tissues and cells, but safer, more effective materials are needed before their mainstream application.

Half a century of metal testing aims to make Japan’s industries safe.

Luminescing nanosized crystals are showing promise for peering deeply into body tissues, but first they need to be made safe.

Developing materials similar to graphene remains a challenge, but chemists are making progress, moving closer to smaller, faster electronics and photonics.

Compact chips could power electronics using natural vibrations.

3D printing shows potential for fabricating personalized ‘soft’ robotic hands and hearts. But challenges need to be addressed.

Scientists are investigating the potential of non-toxic materials to replace lead in perovskite solar cells.