News in Brief Materials Science

Bone inspires strong, lightweight material

Tiny synthetic structures are as sturdy as metal

BARE BONES DESIGN  Microstructures that mimic those found in bone (shown here) allowed researchers to create a strong, lightweight synthetic material. Each hollow honeycomb in the formation is 10 cubic micrometers. 

Courtesy of J. Bauer

By Beth Mole

- More than 2 years ago

Stacks of wee honeycomb structures that resemble the build of bone can form super strong, lightweight matter unmatched by current construction materials.