National Science Foundation

1. Electronic components can self-assemble using new technique

   A new technique for creating simple electronic device components proved effective in recent tests. The results show that self-assembly for more complicated electronics, like 3D computer chips, could be possible. The findings are published in…

2. New development of 'impossible' polymer capable of increasing both stiffness and flexibility

   Scientists have developed something long thought impossible: a polymer that's both stiff and stretchable, without one quality compromising the other. Materials research has shown that the stiffer a polymer, the less flexible it will be — but no…

3. Researchers observe fundamental mechanism causing material 'work hardening'

   Researchers have directly observed the microscopic mechanism involved in "work hardening," a process by which materials like metals become stronger when deformed by hammering or stretching. The research provides a deeper understanding of how this…

4. NSF and Lemelson Foundation launch first joint research awards for Environmental Sustainability in Engineering Education

   The U.S. National Science Foundation and The Lemelson Foundation have awarded funding through the NSF Research in the Formation of Engineers program for five projects to integrate sustainability topics into engineering curricula. Supported in part by…