The Future Is Now!: Transparent Aluminum
See-through metal, yo. What's next, opaque gas? "Whoa GW, you've got a mysterious brown aura about you. Also *choking* -- why's it smell like somebody died in here?" IT WAS THE DOG, I SWEAR!
Stronger than glass, various military and commercial applications for this remarkable material are already being tested. What was once used in the science-fiction Star Trek movies, see-through aluminum is now something that - through test mixing with rubies, sapphires and more - is now being tried out in all kinds of ways to create transparency where strength is also required.
For now, it is used in static-free transparent aluminum wrapping for computer parts and other electronics. It is also being tested in otherwise-conventional see-through soda cans and military shielding for vehicles where windows once were. At over ten dollars per square inch, however, it is still not cheap enough for mainstream everyday use - but may be someday soon.
Now I'm not saying they should start manufacturing women's restrooms out of this stuff, but you've got to admit in this age of terrorism, bomb-proofing should be an important bathroom-security concern. Haha, see where I'm going with this? Home to get my video camera!
Transparent Aluminum: Real, Glass-Like, See-Through Metal [dornob]
Thanks M_D, who invented invisible metal but The Fantastic Four bought the patent and buried it because they wanted The Invisible Woman to still feel special. *sniff* I'm sorry that was just so touching.
-
A group of scientists at Stanford claim they've created a device that will allow a glimpse into the workings of the human brain, and plan to demo the unit (stupidly named the iBrain because smart ≠ creative) on Stephen Hawking during a live presentation. Fingers crossed he doe... / Continue →
-
Gallium (Ga, atomic #31 between zinc and germanium) is a silvery metallic metal not found elementally in nature. But that's not what's important, what's important is it melts just a little above room temperature (~86°F, 30°C). So you can mold it into whatever you want (but ... / Continue →
-
Seen here giving the camera their best serious but cool, MIT researchers Andreas Velten and Ramesh Raskar pose in front of a Coke bottle filled with highlighter fluid or something. I don't know, physics and I don't always get along. That's how I'm able to levitate. Just kidd... / Continue →
