Innovations in Material Sciences

The scientists at MIT's Self-Assembly Lab, who popularized the concept of 4D printing, are looking to advance materials science even further. They have proposed liquid metal printing and programmable materials that can change their behavior as future mass-production and design methods. Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have created shape-shifting plastic that can transform its form and properties with heat and cooling. This technology has various applications, including space travel, where it minimizes the need for multiple tools, as well as robotics and recycling.

Innovations in transparent wood could transform construction, architecture, and even electronics, and one start-up has developed a hydrogel to replace nonstructural concrete in construction. Another company is using bacteria to dye fabrics and build limestone lamps using "biodesign" techniques, and an international team of researchers is working to develop bacteria-enhanced plastics that can break down naturally in landfills. Planners should be aware of the potential for these new approaches to change how structures and objects are built while reducing environmental impacts and waste, should they become more widespread.