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Ambient-dried bamboo fiber foam combines electromagnetic shielding with thermal protection

The study introduces a new bamboo fiber foam that combines electromagnetic shielding, flame retardancy, thermal insulation, and electrically driven heating in one lightweight material. The foam was created using ambient drying, which reduces energy consumption compared to traditional processing methods.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

New method puts a twist on creating efficient micromixers

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new method for creating efficient micromixers inside polymer fibers, enabling rapid mixing of minute amounts of liquid. The twisted microchannels fabricated using this method promote mixing even at low Reynolds numbers, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 1, 2026

Cement production may be an overlooked source of microplastics in groundwater, Nigerian study finds

A new Nigerian study has found widespread microplastic contamination in borehole water near the Sokoto Cement Factory, contaminating communities that rely on groundwater. The research identified common plastic polymers and health risks associated with microplastic exposure.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalNew Contaminants·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Hemp waste biocomposites offer a lower-carbon alternative for packaging and agricultural films

New study finds anaerobic digestion of hemp hurd-based bioplastic systems delivers the best environmental outcome, generating up to 6.1 kg less CO2 emissions per 1 kg mulch film treated. The production process significantly affects the final carbon footprint of biocomposites.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Textile‑scale liquid–metal fibers with strain‑invariant conductivity enable absorption‑enhanced EMI shielding

Researchers have developed a novel Fe-EGaIn/TPU core-sheath fiber that overcomes limitations in stretchability and electronic performance. The material achieves strain-invariant conductivity with high conductivity, extreme stretchability, and absorption-enhanced EMI protection.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateApr 14, 2026

Soft fibers that move with electricity

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed an ultrafine soft yarn actuator fiber capable of bending, contracting, and producing complex three-dimensional movements when electricity is applied. The technology offers a new pathway for building safer soft robots and body-conforming wearable devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Omega·DateMar 10, 2026

Bacteria spin rainbow-colored, sustainable textiles

Researchers demonstrate that bacteria can produce fabric and dye it in every color of the rainbow using a single vat. The approach uses bacterial cellulose as a potential alternative to petroleum-based fibers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm. The developed method yields vibrant colors that survive washing and h...

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2025

Novel transmission technique enables world record 430 Tb/s in a commercially available, international-standard-compliant optical fiber

Researchers have demonstrated a record-breaking 430 terabits per second (Tb/s) optical transmission using a novel approach that triples the capacity of standard-compliant cutoff-shifted optical fibers. The technology offers high throughput with reduced complexity, while utilizing existing optical fiber infrastructure.

PolyU scholars pioneer smart and sustainable personal cooling technologies to address global extreme heat

Researchers at PolyU are pioneering next-generation personal cooling solutions using advanced textiles and intelligent wearables. Their innovations include spectrum-selective textiles, thermal insulation, ventilative and evaporative cooling, and AI-driven frameworks that deliver personalized, energy-efficient cooling.

Highly sensitive, next-generation wearable pressure sensors inspired by cat whiskers

Researchers developed novel biomisic fiber/sodium alginate aerogels for flexible pressure sensors, mimicking cat vibrissae and FSCs to achieve excellent sensitivity, durability, and rapid response. The sensors demonstrated promising applications in human physiological monitoring, motion analysis, and sports analytics.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

Reinventing fiber-based pressure sensors

Researchers from Shinshu University have developed a unique fiber-based pressure sensor that can detect small changes in pressure, enabling fine-tuned tactile sensing. The fibers exhibit a multi-wall structure that increases resistance when compressed, making them ideal for applications such as soft robotics and wearable devices.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2025

World's first 1,000-ton ionic liquid cellulose fiber plant launches, enabling near-zero emission textiles

The world's first thousand-ton-scale ionic liquid-based regenerated cellulose fiber project has officially commenced operations in Henan Province, China. The technology uses non-volatile, stable ionic liquids as solvents to replace toxic solvents, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 5,000 tons per year.

Forensics study helps investigators draw new clues from bloodstains

A new study has provided insights into how blood stains cotton fabrics, allowing investigators to gather additional information from forensic evidence. The researchers found that the number and spread of 'fingers' in the bloodstain correlate to the velocity of the blood spatter, with faster-moving blood leaving more prominent tendrils.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

World record achieved in transmission capacity and distance: With 19-core optical fiber with standard cladding diameter 1,808 km transmission of 1.02 petabits per second

A new world record has been set for petabit-class transmission over a distance of 1,808 km using a 19-core optical fiber with low loss across multiple wavelength bands. The demonstration marks a major step forward in developing scalable, high-capacity networks and addressing the world's growing demand for data.

DNA-inspired design for stronger, flexible sensors for wearables

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a double-helical fiber sensor design that places both electrodes on one end, addressing the mechanical challenges of traditional wearable sensors. The new design enables durable, flexible sensors suitable for tracking finger gestures, facial expressions, and gait movements.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Muscles from the printer

Scientists at Empa have developed a method to produce complex soft actuators using 3D printing, overcoming challenges of elasticity, softness, and material properties. The actuators, made from silicone-based materials, can be used in various applications, including robotics, cars, and potentially even medical devices.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Stretching spider silk makes it stronger

Researchers discovered that aligning protein chains and increasing hydrogen bonds through stretching make spider silk stronger, tougher, and more elastic. The study aims to design engineered silk-inspired proteins for strong, biodegradable materials like sutures and body armor.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 7, 2025

Recycling the unrecyclable

Researchers have developed a novel solid catalyst to efficiently reclaim materials from epoxy products, including carbon fibers and glass fibers. The process uses lower temperatures than traditional methods, reducing energy requirements and making the recovery of materials more environmentally friendly.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2025

Advancing surgical sutures: The promise of cellulose-based materials

Researchers have made significant advancements in cellulose-based sutures, showcasing their potential as sustainable alternatives for wound closure and healing. The new materials demonstrate non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength, with nanocellulose showing particular promise due to its high strength and flexibility.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 22, 2025

Smart textile to sense light, pressure, smell, and even taste—successfully developed next-gen fibers that will change the future of wearable technologies

A research team developed semiconductor fibers that emulate the five human senses, measuring changes in light, chemicals, pressure, pH, and mechanical strain. The fibers' unique structure allows precise control of their three-dimensional spiral shape, enabling them to detect a variety of environmental information.

Direct discharge electrical pulses for carbon fiber recycling

Researchers developed a novel method for carbon fiber recycling that leverages Joule heat generation, thermal stress, and expansion forces to separate fibers without chemicals. The technique is more effective than traditional methods, preserving longer fibers with higher strength and reducing environmental impact.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025

Rice researchers unveil ‘surprising’ breakthrough in carbon nanotube recycling, paving way for sustainable materials

Researchers at Rice University have successfully recycled carbon nanotube fibers without losing their structure or properties. The discovery positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like metals and polymers, offering a solution to waste management problems in industries such as aerospace and automotive.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateJan 13, 2025

Thermal modification of multicore fiber increases image contrast in endoscopy

A team of scientists developed a method to increase the light collection efficiency in multicore optical fibers by thermally modifying them. This results in more than five times higher signal-to-noise ratio and significant gain in image contrast, making it suitable for minimally invasive medical procedures.