The latest stories, clear explanations and essential discoveries from Materials Science.
Paper towels absorb water because cellulose fibres are hydrophilic and their porous network contains many connected spaces. Water adheres to cellulose surfaces through molecular attractions, while surface tension and capillary pressure draw liquid through…
Oct 14, 2026 • 13 min readRead the discovery →New stories, explanations and research from Materials Science.
Clothes shrink when fibres, yarns or fabric structures change dimensions during washing and drying. Manufacturing can leave fibres and yarns stretched or under tension;…
Oct 13, 2026 • 13 min read
Clothes shrink when fibres, yarns or fabric structures change dimensions during washing and drying. Manufacturing can leave fibres and yarns stretched or under tension;…
Oct 13, 2026 • 13 min readOne remarkable idea at a time—nature, science, history and beyond.
