Science

Science as Art: Nanoscale Materials Imitate Everything From Flowers to Frost

Twice a year, the Materials Research Society challenges scientists to turn images of their materials into art. Here are the spring 2013 first-place winners, as well as a selection of our other favorites.
Image may contain Purple Nature Plant Outdoors Dye Pollen Sea Ocean Water Flower Blossom and Dahlia
  • Freeze
  • Playful Hedgehog Particles
  • Castle Ruins Over a Field of Nanotubes
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freeze

Freeze

Yang Hui Ying, Singapore University of Technology and Design (First Place) Technology imitates life: Organic nanowires with nanoparticle frost coating (left) closely resemble frosty pine needles (right). Such nanowires, if capable of conducting electricity, could be used to create flexible electronic circuits. Last year, scientists created a self-assembling organic nanowire using electricity, light, and a molecule called triarylamine. When assembled, the material displayed unusually high, metal-like conductivity. Image courtesy of the Materials Research Society Science as Art Competition and Yang Hui Ying, Singapore University of Technology and Design.