MIT develops new technique for ultrafine fibers

April 1, 2018  |  Projects

They may be ultrafine, but fibers produced using a new process developed by researchers at MIT are strong and tough enough for use in applications including protective armor and nanocomposites. The process, known as gel electrospinning, is a variation of the traditional method of gel spinning, but w…
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Automation and full employment

April 1, 2018  |  Editorial

Pessimists have already begun to worry about what is going to replace automation. ~John Tudor If any of you watched the “X-Files” episode in early March entitled “Rm9sbG9eZX.Jz” and are still happily chatting with Alexa … your intrepid nature is an inspiration. The program basically depict…
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Carbon fiber Humanity Star takes to the skies

April 1, 2018  |  Projects

Scientist and engineer Peter Beck is on a mission to make commercial space travel a reality. He founded Rocket Lab in 2006 to provide frequent launch opportunities to low earth orbit. Beck also wanted to create a way to connect people to the night sky, to bring people together. He hopes to demonstra…
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Amy Poe builds Wyckam from a marine canvas business into a custom sewing shop

April 1, 2018  |  Features, Perspective

As a small business owner you have to be able to adapt to many different situations and needs,” says Amy Poe, owner of Wyckam in Portland, Ore. “You pretty much need to be able to do everything. Even if you hire something out you still have to have a basic understanding of what it is … <d…
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Fabric graphics dazzle outdoors

April 1, 2018  |  Features

Branding has become a major fixation. From people who carefully curate their social media postings to large corporations with entire brand-focused departments and everything in between, it seems as if everyone is intent on cementing public perception of their brands. And although we’ve all likely …
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Academia and business forge new alliances

April 1, 2018  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

From small startups to global companies, academia and business forge alliances. Early in 2018, Greensboro, N.C.-based VF Corp. and North Carolina State University (NC State) announced a strategic, multi-year partnership to “support student development at NC State and advance apparel and textiles i…
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Space, stability and technical expertise enhance the new Tennessee Titans facility

April 1, 2018  |  Markets

The Tennessee Titans debuted a new practice facility in the summer of 2016, replacing their former air structure with one much brighter, bigger and sturdier. After more than 17 years of use, the original facility, located at Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., was showing signs of deterior…
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U.S. Olympic team sports self-heating jackets

April 1, 2018  |  Projects

When Team USA entered the stadium to the tune “Gangnam Style” during the 2018 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Pyeongchang, South Korea, they didn’t have to give a second thought to the frigid temps. The record-number 242 athletes were certain to stay warm and cozy with jackets outfitted wi…
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Lilienthalhaus building uses ETFE roof for natural light

April 1, 2018  |  Projects

Lilienthalhaus, a new building at the Braunschweig Research Airport in Braunschweig, Germany, is named after pioneer aviator Otto Lilienthal. Known as the “flying man,” Lilienthal was the first person to successfully carry out unpowered flights. The designation is fitting; the design of the four…
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Fabric art, sculptured and painted

April 1, 2018  |  Projects

Carriageworks, the largest contemporary multi-arts center of its kind in Australia, is a space that welcomes socially and culturally diverse artists whose vision is often exhilarating and cutting edge. Housed in an old rail yard in the Redfern area of Sydney, the center features a distinctive 19th c…
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