More than 100 years before the movie Jurassic Park captured public interest, curiosity in dinosaurs was piqued by the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, the first life-sized models of extinct animals ever made. Though the scientific accuracy of the sculptures is largely incorrect based on current knowledge, the sculptures’ impact on public interest in paleontology is recognized to this day.
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Although chocolate is a simple pleasure for many people around the world, the science behind chocolate as a food and as a material is deliciously complex. Now an industrial designer has re-engineered the chocolate chip to maximize taste and texture, giving it optimal surface area with angular features.
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There is no shortage of options available when shopping for nonmedical face masks, yet most provide little information about their filter efficiency and breathability—important considerations for a mask that is both efficient and comfortable. But a recent study offers more complete data on the performance of an array of common materials.
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In recent years, the ability to communicate science to the general public has become increasingly important—but knowing how to do so effectively is a skill not always taught in school. ACerS new “Communicating Science” webpage provides a list of useful resources on effective science communication skills.
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Lithium-ion batteries are abundant in many everyday devices, but the resources available to teach children how these batteries work and why they are important are limited. A team of researchers from the University of Birmingham’s School of Chemistry developed a unique and fun approach to explaining Li-ion battery operation using tower block games like Jenga.
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In many countries around the world, the second Sunday of May is Mother’s Day. Many women who are mothers work full-time or part-time jobs as well, so in today’s CTT, we celebrate all the mothers in science!
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A new book out this month, The Alchemy of Us by Ainissa Ramirez, tells the story of materials science through a perhaps unexpected lens—by sharing not only the stories of materials discoveries but also how those discoveries shaped us, society, and history.
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As countries around the world continue their fight against COVID-19, personal protective equipment is in short supply—especially because many items generally can be used only once. Could glass be used to create washable and reusable PPE? ACerS Distinguished Life Member Arun Varshneya explains why glass may not be the best approach.
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Unlike CDs and tapes, you cannot easily create a vinyl record at home. A new Japanese machine—the Easy Record Maker—looks to change that.
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Now, more than ever, it is critical for scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and other experts to contribute their knowledge, skills, and time to help advance our understanding of the coronavirus as well as devise strategies to mitigate the pandemic’s effects. Not sure where to start? We’ve got a list of ideas.
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