A team of researchers from the University of Kent have developed a revolutionary shock-absorbing material
A new family of materials was created based onprotein and named TSAM (Talin Shock Absorbing Materials). According to the scientists, this is the first known example of a SynBio material (based on synthetic biology). It is useful for repelling ultra-high-speed strikes in space and the upper atmosphere.
Work on the protein talin, which isthe natural shock absorber of cells, showed that this molecule contains a number of binary switching domains that open under stress and fold again after it is dropped. This response to force imparts molecular cushioning properties to talin, protecting cells from the effects of large changes in force. When the scientists polymerized talin in TSAM, they found that the shock-absorbing properties of talin monomers give the material "simply incredible properties," the authors of the development emphasize.
Then scientists demonstrated the realapplication of TSAM, exposing the hydrogel material to supersonic impacts from objects flying at a speed of 1.5 km/s. This is greater than the speed of particles in space that strike both natural and man-made objects (usually > 1 km/s). In addition, the researchers found that TSAM not only absorbs the impact of basalt particles (~60 µm in diameter) and larger pieces, but also preserves these “projectiles” after impact.
Read more:
Does science exist in extreme conditions? We answer in numbers
Scientists have found out who benefited from the death of dinosaurs
Look at the photo of the Earth from space: it was made by the first private module
Cover photo: Vince Alongi