Engineering News Today — August 20, 2026
What beats seeing eclipses from space? Try the northern and southern lights and more — today's engineering signal.
As engineers and scientists continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge, we're seeing breakthroughs that span from the far reaches of space to the microscopic world of materials science. Researchers on the International Space Station are exploring new ways to manipulate molten metal in microgravity, which could lead to the creation of ultra-strong metallic glass with unique properties. Meanwhile, advances in materials science are also being driven by innovations in 3D printing, such as the development of ceramic waveguide lasers that could potentially surpass the power of traditional glass fiber lasers.
These breakthroughs in materials science and engineering are matched by discoveries in the fields of physics and biology. Researchers have identified a universal pattern in quantum matter, shedding new light on the behavior of materials at the atomic level. In other news, scientists are finding new ways to apply the principles of biology to create innovative materials, such as flexible biopolymers with antibacterial effects. As we continue to explore the universe, from witnessing spectacular celestial events like eclipses and the northern and southern lights, to understanding the complexities of human health, it's clear that the intersection of engineering, science, and discovery is driving progress on multiple fronts.
Today's signal:
• What beats seeing eclipses from space? Try the northern and southern lights (phys.org)
• Levitating molten metal on ISS could refine ultra-strong metallic glass (phys.org)
• Couples' coping skills help reduce depression in GI cancer survivors (phys.org)
• Changing bacterial feedstock unlocks flexible biopolymers with stronger antibacterial effects (phys.org)
• 3D-printed ceramic waveguide lasers could surpass the power of glass fiber lasers by 10 times (phys.org)
• Universal pattern revealed in quantum matter (phys.org)