Liquid crystal

Researchers have developed a new class of lubricants that instead of oil, are based on liquid crystals. According to the researchers, it is the first fundamentally new lubricant developed in 20 years.

With any medical condition, the earlier it's detected, the better. When assessing biological samples from a patient, however, it's often quite difficult to see the early indicators of a disease. That could be about to change, thanks to the development of "living liquid crystal."

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have grown liquid crystal flowers, making it possible to create lenses as complex as the compound eye of a dragonfly. The technology could enable lenses to be grown on curved surfaces and building new materials, smart surfaces, microlens arrays, and more.