Materials Science

Scientists thought glassy substances had to be either moldable or impact-resistant—but compleximers are both

This familiar phenomenon has puzzled researchers for centuries, but experiments are finally making sense of its unruly behaviors

After decades of debate, researchers say that they have found the clearest evidence yet for this rare form of carbon

A small design flaw in the medals for the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina turned a durability promise into a very public stress test

The reason we slip and slide on ice—a phenomenon central to figure skating, curling and other Winter Olympic events—is a centuries-old physics mystery that may have finally been cracked

Researchers mimicked the air-trapping tricks of diving bell spiders to create aluminum that stays afloat—even when punctured

Three scientists, including one from the U.S., share the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing “metal-organic frameworks,” versatile molecular cages that can trap contaminants, store energy and possibly deliver drugs to specific areas of the body

Time crystals, a state of matter once thought physically impossible, could soon be on a banknote

Today this material can seal pipes and brave the ocean. But someday it could be used in surgery or underwater repairs

The velvet worm’s extraordinary goo could inspire recyclable bioplastics

China is blocking exports of these vital minerals. What makes them so special?

Inaudible ultrasonic beams steered around obstacles can create pockets of sound in an otherwise quiet room, acoustics experts report