Scientists have spent decades trying to replicate spider silk's properties in synthetic materials. Unlike silkworms, which can be farmed, spiders are territorial and cannibalistic, making large-scale silk production impractical. This challenge has led to innovative approaches, including: Genetically modified bacteria that produce spider silk proteinsSynthetic polymers that … [Read more...] about How Spider Silk is Revolutionizing Modern Materials
Archives for 2025
The Changing Beauty Consumer: Rise of Sustainability
Over 120 billion pieces of cosmetic packaging is created each year. As the vanity is filled in, bathroom counters lined up, and drawers crammed with products, what happens to them after they are finished? Beauty has been a staple in today’s society with individuals wanting to feel their best selves, in their own way. However, the beauty industry is no longer just about what it … [Read more...] about The Changing Beauty Consumer: Rise of Sustainability
Hydrodynamic Stability: Three-Dimensional Linear Stability and Input-Output Analysis of Parallel Shear Flows
Introduction: Welcome back. Today, I am excited to return to our series on hydrodynamic stability. In previous blogs, we considered the stability of two-dimensional parallel shear flows. Now, we will derive the governing equations for stability analysis of three-dimensional parallel shear flows. Our mathematical work here will give us the tools to consider oblique modes and … [Read more...] about Hydrodynamic Stability: Three-Dimensional Linear Stability and Input-Output Analysis of Parallel Shear Flows
Democratizing Fashion: How Pinterest Forever Changed Style Inspiration
Pinterest has shaped fashion culture, changing how people discover, curate, and engage with style trends. Through its focus on visual discovery, democratized fashion inspiration, and rapid trend sharing, the platform has influenced both personal style and the entire fashion industry. Pinterest’s impact begins with its approach to visual discovery and personal curation. The … [Read more...] about Democratizing Fashion: How Pinterest Forever Changed Style Inspiration
How a Bird Revolutionized Japan’s Bullet Train Design
Nature has long been a source of inspiration for human innovation. But perhaps one of the most elegant examples of biomimicry comes from Japan's high-speed rail system, where engineers found their solution in the most unexpected of places: the beak of a kingfisher. The other day, I stumbled across a YouTube video by Vox called “The world is poorly designed. But copying nature … [Read more...] about How a Bird Revolutionized Japan’s Bullet Train Design