Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast

There’s a lot more to gems than just sparkly rocks. While we can’t promise they’ll cleanse bad vibes, we can dive into the incredible science behind them. In this episode, Andrew and Taylor chat with Mubashir Mansoor, a gemologist and PhD candidate in Materials Science at Istanbul Technical University, to uncover the rich past of gemstones and how they are shaping the future. From restoring a man’s sight to a possible future in quantum computing, these crystals hold more secrets than you’d think. We trace the evolution of gem technology, from bamboo rods and coal to high-tech scanners that can spot microscopic flaws and reveal exactly where a gem was mined. Most importantly we discuss how gemologists are looking for help from materials scientists and engineers to help crack the secrets of these sparkly rocks. Diamonds are Forever: The Evolution of the Bionic Eye [LINK] This episode is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society Learning Center. Visit ceramics.org/materialism to learn more or use code MATERIALISM to get $100 off your next On-Demand course registration. This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more. Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show! If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter. Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

You may not think of glass production as a significant source of CO₂, but the stats may surprise you. Enter Penn State and their LionGlass, a phosphate-based glass that not only lowers the temperature needed for forming, but also avoids the CO₂ emissions that come from the carbonate materials used in conventional glassmaking. We sit down to discuss the recently published paper on this new glass and how its properties compare to the glass we use every day. The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society. Visit them, at this link [HERE] to unlock full access to the Bulletin with a free ACerS membership. This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more. Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show! If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter. Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

In this engaging conversation, Patricia Kooyman, a Professor at the University of Cape Town and a pioneer in transmission electron microscopy, dives into the groundbreaking world of operando TEM. She illustrates how this technique allows researchers to witness real-time material reactions, transforming our understanding of catalysis. The discussion also highlights the challenges of integrating complex environments like gas flows, handling vast data from microscopy, and the future innovations that promise to reshape the field.

Uncover the fascinating history of food packaging, starting from ancient times to modern innovations. Discover how military logistics influenced packaging evolution and how Napoleon's demand for better preservation sparked change. Dive into the tale of Nicolas Appert, whose groundbreaking canning methods led to financial ruin amid fierce competition. Explore the shift from labor-intensive techniques to convenient pop-top cans and the complexities of multilayer packaging, all while examining the critical balance between innovation and sustainability.

Join Sebastian Leukel, a glassmaking expert from SCHOTT AG, and Colin Schmucker, a specialist in semicon glass solutions, as they dive into the remarkable world of glass. They discuss the historical evolution of glass, from its natural origins to groundbreaking production methods like containerless melting. Discover the fascinating science behind glass properties, debunking myths and examining advancements that enhance its use in everything from cookware to fusion energy technologies. It's a captivating exploration of a material we often take for granted!

Dive into the captivating world of photoluminescent materials and discover how they bring magic to our everyday lives. Explore the differences between phosphorescence and fluorescence, with a surprising look at biofluorescence in the platypus. Uncover the complex interactions of electronic states that create glowing effects and learn about their practical applications, including in biomedicine and modern displays. The episode also highlights innovations in ceramics and the exciting future of these luminous materials.

Discover how cooling paints can keep your home cooler without breaking the bank. The hosts dive into the science of innovative coatings, translating complex physical principles into practical solutions for energy efficiency. Explore the balance between aesthetics and functionality, using examples that spotlight unique materials like Oreos and eggshells. Health concerns around VOCs and nanoparticles are also examined, adding depth to the discussion on sustainable options for modern cooling technologies.

In this discussion, physicist Paul Canfield from Ames Laboratory shares his adventurous journey in materials discovery. He draws creative parallels between cooking and science, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients and collaborative mentorship. Paul delves into the complexity of synthesizing new materials, explores the latest in high-temperature ferromagnets, and highlights the challenges of funding in research. He also stresses the fusion of human and machine learning in tackling solid-state chemistry, revealing the exciting potential of innovative materials.

Tian Xie, a principal researcher at Microsoft Research AI for Science, joins the conversation to unveil the groundbreaking AI tool, MatterGen, designed to revolutionize materials discovery. They discuss how MatterGen can identify materials with bespoke properties without lab experiments. The duo also explores the Azure AI Foundry, emphasizing the synergy between MatterSim and MatterGen. With insights into generative models and data-driven techniques, Xie highlights the transformative potential of AI in enhancing material science and addressing global challenges.

In this discussion, Chuck Ward, former Chief of Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies at AFRL, shares his extensive experience in materials science accumulated over 36 years in the Air Force. He delves into the innovative aims of the Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation journal, spotlighting its role in open science and data publishing. Chuck emphasizes the importance of dynamic methods in materials research and advocates for transformative practices in academic publishing, ultimately pushing for more collaborative efforts in the research community.