MATERIAL ISSUES: Materials science is the study of stuff -- the substances that make up things you use every day -- from your shoes, dishes, and CDs to your bicycle or skateboard. All are made from different kinds of materials. Materials derive their unique properties from atomic structure. Materials scientists can manipulate atoms and molecules to design new kinds of stuff with different properties that could show up in the nifty gadgets, clothing, and kitchenware of tomorrow.
The Materials Research Society contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.