Stainless Steel

​The scratches that form on stainless steel may seem minuscule to us, but they provide a haven for microscopic bacteria. Scientists at the University of Toronto have developed a method of making those scratches less hospitable to the microbes, using a surprisingly simple substance – cooking oil.

As we approach the fifth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, scientists are still trying to develop better ways of removing oil from water. Now, researchers believe that they may be onto something. They've developed a steel mesh that allows water to pass through, but that stops oil.

Inspired by the internal structure of bones and bamboo, which both boast impressive strength-to-weight ratios, US researchers have created increased the toughness of various metals by altering the microstructures within them.