A Limber Future

"Smart skin" holds promise for morphing wings and wearable computers.

By Laura Allen
August 17, 2004

Making Metal Rubber from Scrat

Dip charged substrate into container of positively charged water-based solution (1). Rinse substrate in water to remove unbound particles (2). Dip substrate into negatively charged solution (3). Rinse and repeat (4, 5).Garry Marshall

Terrible, horrible things can be done to this millimeters-thick patch of shimmering material crafted by chemists at NanoSonic in Blacksburg, Virginia. Twist it, stretch it double, fry it to 200

Latest

A buff is indispensable, and you absolutely need one
An exclusive look at the new season of Cosmos
The new black-and-white Leica does things color cameras can’t
Winter-proof your lips with this DIY lip balm
These tiny living robots could help science eavesdrop on cellular gossip
2019 was the second warmest year on record—here’s what this means for our future
Keep your indoor plants alive with these essential watering tools
This harpoon-throwing robot is designed to hunt destructive lionfish
Men’s outdoor boots that keep you warm, dry, and stable
ADVERTISEMENT / ADVERTISE WITH US