Xylinum is a bacteria that consumes sugar and produces an artificial cellulose material, a random three dimensional fibre nano structure. It can grow around any given form. The properties of this material can be changed by changing the genetic code of the organisms. Jannis Hülsen, in collaboration with Jenpolymers, developed a technique to create a skin around a wooden fram, forming a coating and the seating surface.
Here is a very informative video from Jannis explaining the process.
Insanely jealous and can hardly wait until next spring when Columbia Sportswear's Omni-freeze apparel will be released. Fast Co's Mark Wilson recently had a chance to test out a shirt that is made out of a fabric that stays cool in warm humid weather and therefore also keeps the wearer comfortable.
On the fabric, there are blue rings of hydrophilic (greek: water loving) molecules that absorbs moisture. The molecules get excited and will try to separate. It uses thermal energy from the user's body to do so and thus creating "a prolonged and enduring cooling sensation that lasts as long as the fabric stays wet."
I've been interested in the Carbon Fiber Monocoque for a little while now because of the strength and security it gives to the cars and their passengers while minimizing the weight. Here's a small video explaining how it's done in F1, why it's safe and getting even safer.
This 5-axis CNC machine is made by EEW Machinenbau in Germany and can mill 1:1 scale negative and positive molds for rooter blades that are 50 m and more, and in one single piece. The X-axis on the machine can span 151 meters. The machine also trims blades, and soon, it will lay glass-fiber mates into negative molds. Found via Core77 and Adafruit.
