Materials science

The chilling effect
Among scientists and policymakers, there is a sense of urgency to reimagine cooling. Our Cover Story envisions that future.
The soft robo-touch
With lessons from vines and jellyfish — and aided by 3D printing — scientists are making shape-shifting advances in soft robotics.
Materials that cool sustainably
The hunt is on for materials that can bring temperatures down without using power.
Fine-tuned friction
Make way for on-demand friction with a technique that promises to help in multiple fields.
Materials science: harnessing the power of the ultra-small
Richard Feynman peered into the future of materials science. That future is now playing itself out.