new material

A sample of the fulgurite (fossilized lightning) in which scientists have now discovered a new type of phosphorus material

Science

Strange new material discovered in "fossilized lightning"

It sounds like a superhero's origin story: scientists have discovered a new type of material created after lightning struck a tree. This particular form of crystalline phosphorus has never been seen on Earth, and could belong to a new mineral group.

White rhino numbers have bounced back to more than 20,000 individuals compared with fewer than 100 in the early 20th Century

Science

Scientists create fake rhino horn, hope to flood the market

We're used to thinking of fakes and forgeries with disdain, but a new innovation from the University of Oxford looks set to buck that trend: fake rhinoceros horn. Rhino populations have been devastated by poaching due to demand for their horn.

Fiber made from cellulose claimed to be as strong as steel

Science

Biodegradable fibers as strong as steel made from wood cellulose

Working with cellulose from trees, researchers have produced fibers claimed to be as strong as steel, and versatile enough to replace strands of fiberglass or lengths of cotton whilst still remaining biodegradable.