The steel industry emits 3 billion tons of CO2 every year. That’s about three times the carbon footprint of the airline industry. A startup called Helios wants to cut this industrial behemoth’s impact on the environment. A cheaper steelmaking process When it comes to steel, … [Read more...] about New steelmaking method could cut industry’s gigantic CO2 footprint
Materials
Floating ants may inspire the future of robotics and adaptive materials
Ants are extremely adaptable creatures. The little critters are one of the strongest animals in relation to their size, being able to carry 50 times their own body weight. They are also the longest living insect, with some species living for around 30 years. However, the teamwork … [Read more...] about Floating ants may inspire the future of robotics and adaptive materials
How to make your sneakers last as long as possible
Being a sustainable fashionista doesn’t mean simply buying clothes that will last long. It also means taking caring care of the clothes you have to ensure their longevity. With this in mind, let’s take a look at how to take care of your sneakers so that they last as long as … [Read more...] about How to make your sneakers last as long as possible
This novel pathogen-repellent material is inspired by lotus leaves
Here at The Optimist Daily, we like to keep our readers informed about new innovative materials that are being developed, such as roads made from diaper pellets, ultra-strong glass inspired by mollusk shells, and even solar capture materials that can be integrated into … [Read more...] about This novel pathogen-repellent material is inspired by lotus leaves
Scientists create ultra-thin material that’s two times stronger than steel
Polymers, such as plastics, are made up of chains of units called monomers. Although these chains are one-dimensional, they can be shaped into three-dimensional objects through manufacturing methods like injection molding. With that said, polymer scientists have long tried to … [Read more...] about Scientists create ultra-thin material that’s two times stronger than steel