Materials
Materials science is a mixture of physics, chemistry and engineering that aims to understand what our world is made of and what materials we should use to suit our needs - metal, wood, stone, glass? Materials science created plastic, the wonder material that revolutionised the kinds of objects we can create. Now, though, the focus is turning to plastic alternatives. What materials can we invent that don't pollute the seas with microplastics or find their way into the food chain?
Here's what we still don't know about microplastics in your body
Sorry, Orlando
What's the strongest material in the universe?
Out in space, one rather unique material stands supreme as the strongest around.
The frustrating reasons electric cars are so expensive, explained by a scientist
Electric vehicles are comparatively new compared to the older combustion engine, and need different materials to power them.
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Is water actually wet? Scientists aren't sure
We dive into the surprisingly deep scientific debate.
Rome wasn't built in a day... and here's why
Building a city is complicated and, even with a huge amount of manpower, building materials need time to cure and set once used.
What is gunge made from?
Who remembers gunge tanks?
Why your chewing gum could be secretly destroying the planet
Sticky situation: Is your chewing gum outliving your great-great-great-grandchildren?
How is coal formed?
It takes millions of years to create and as a non-renewable resource, there is only a finite amount.
Why does striped toothpaste always come out striped?
The answer does not lie with clever engineering, but with carefully designed pastes.
How do solid-state batteries work?
Solid-state batteries have a higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries.
Can we recycle concrete?
Construction, demolition, and excavation materials make up a significant proportion of the UK's total waste.
This fabric modelled on the human ear can react to your heartbeat
A huge development in the world of wearable technology.
Are paper towels or hand dryers more hygienic?
Wet hands spread germs more easily than dry hands, so it's important to dry them thoroughly.
Why do water droplets stay on plastic items after they’ve gone in the dishwasher?
Have you ever wondered why glass items come out sparkling, while plastic items still look wet?
Are electric cars definitely greener than petrol?
The UK is set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
Is it possible to build a ship out of ice?
Iceberg ahoy… No, wait! Make that ice ship ahoy. Warming seas may make building seafaring ice vessels impractical but not impossible.
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but how are the lab-grown sparkling beauties made?
This smart chainmail switches from tough to flexible on command, like Batman's cloak
Engineers say new fabric could pave the way for adaptive exoskeletons or casts for broken bones.
Why doesn’t glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
A chemist explains the simple solution to the sticky conundrum.
Why is amber so good at preserving life?
A chemist explains the science that underpins the Jurassic Park saga.
Joke's on us: Fool's gold may have contained the real thing all along
The sparkling-yet-worthless mineral pyrite was called 'fool's gold' after it deceived miners in the 19th Century. But perhaps they weren't so foolish after all...
Do wet sheep shrink?
Asked by: Kamila Magomedova (aged 13)
What is the strongest naturally occurring adhesive?
Asked by: John Williams
How does bubble wrap become bubbly?
Asked by: Connie Foy, Buckinghamshire