In an effort to move away from the devastating environmental impacts of conventional industrial raw material, scientists are coaxing microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria to grow into substances that can serve as sustainable building materials. Scientists are using biological matter to create new and unique materials that can adapt to their environment and repair themselves. Researchers Dr. Kunal Masania and Dr. Anna Sandak have made a huge progress in this field.

Living materials for use in the aerospace

   Dr. Kunal Masania is developing what he calls "living materials," for use in the aerospace and transportation sectors. These living materials are, precisely as they sound, literally alive. They contain microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, which give them the capacity to sustain their integrity and self-healing.

   Dr. Kunal Masania was awarded a grant as part of a five-year....