Materials Science
Apr 23, 2019
Researchers create artificial mother-of-pearl using bacteria
The strongest synthetic materials are often those that intentionally mimic nature.
Search results for nacre
Polymers
Apr 10, 2019
3-D printing electrically assisted, nacre-inspired structures with self-sensing capabilities
Nacre, also known as mother of pearl is a composite, organic-inorganic material produced in nature in the inner shell layer of molluscs and the outer coating of pearls. The material is resilient and iridescent with high strength ...
Environment
Apr 9, 2019
Pearls of wisdom: Japan's cultured farms still glisten
In Japan's picturesque Ago Bay, a couple sits in a little hut picking out oysters from a net, cleaning them carefully one-by-one before replacing them gently back in the water.
Materials Science
Dec 10, 2018
Custom-made artificial mother-of-pearl
Natural mother-of-pearl, such as mussels, is one of the hardest, most stable and stiff natural materials. Researchers have always been fascinated by it. The structure of mother-of-pearl is exquisite under the electron microscope; ...
Ecology
Nov 22, 2018
First steps to tackling South Africa's abalone poaching
South Africa faces the possible collapse of several inshore fisheries, particularly certain species of linefish, abalone and West Coast Rock Lobster. If nothing is done, not only will the ecology be poorer and change in many ...
Materials Science
Sep 26, 2018
Spheres can make concrete leaner, greener
Rice University scientists have developed micron-sized calcium silicate spheres that could lead to stronger and greener concrete, the world's most-used synthetic material.
Nanomaterials
Aug 13, 2018
Five ways that natural nanotechnology could inspire human design
Though nanotechnology is portrayed as a fairly recent human invention, nature is actually full of nanoscopic architectures. They underpin the essential functions of a variety of life forms, from bacteria to berries, wasps ...
Environment
Jun 12, 2018
The wisdom of pearl farming
Why exactly do little white nuggets from the sea cost so much? And how have humans hacked the biological process that makes them?
Nanomaterials
May 7, 2018
Scientists make strong, super-tough carbon sheets at low temperature
An international research team led by scientists at Beihang University in China and The University of Texas at Dallas has developed high-strength, super-tough sheets of carbon that can be inexpensively fabricated at low temperatures.
Condensed Matter
Jan 29, 2018
Weak hydrogen bonds key to strong, tough infrastructure
The right mix of hydrogen bonds in polymer and cement composites is critical to making strong, tough and ductile infrastructure material, according to Rice University scientists who want to mimic the mechanics of mother-of-pearl ...
