Advances in materials science to be demonstrated at Durham museum

(JANUARY 14, 2011- DURHAM, NC)  On Saturday, January 22, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., scientists from across the Triangle will be at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham to demonstrate how the exciting and fast emerging field of materials science is expanding our technological frontiers. Visitors will see materials change states, observe as stain resistant clothing is put to the test, watch as metal and plastic is programmed to return to a previously set shape when exposed to heat and so much more. The event, “Making Stuff,” is a collaborative partnership between PBS, the University of North Carolina, Duke University, North Carolina State University, Morehead Planetarium and IBM.

“This event is a perfect example of how area universities and businesses can come together to educate the public about current advances in science. Visitors may be surprised to learn the many ways materials science is dramatically impacting how we live and work,” comments Taneka Bennett, Museum spokesperson.

Scientists from North Carolina State University will demonstrate one of the most interesting applications of nanoscale science, bio mimicry - technology that mimics the unique structures of biomaterials. Visitors will learn about the lotus effect (how the leaves of the lotus leaf stays dry) and discover how this phenomenon is being used to design stain free fabrics and odor resistant socks.

Retired engineer and Museum of Life and Science volunteer, Dan Amey will demonstrate how yesterday’s room-sized supercomputers are today’s miniature microchips. “Today’s smaller devices are more portable, cost less to make, consume less power, and have longer lasting batteries. But how small can we go?,” says Amey. Amey will demonstrate how challenging it is to work on the small scale and share what materials scientists are developing to help make computers and electronics even smaller in the future.

Research Associate Professor, Mike Falvo, from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will explore the behavior, control and manipulation of fluids at the micro-scale level and share how these small fluids are made and used.

Students from the Durham Nativity School will assist the scientists throughout the day.