The University of Stuttgart has continued its experiments into biomimicry and robotic construction with two pavilions at the Bundesgartenschau horticultural show in Germany. More about University of Stuttgart creates biomimetic pavilions based on sea urchins and beetle wings
US researchers have invented a nanogenerator that could one day be added to solar panels to keep them producing energy when covered in snow. More about Snow nanogenerator would allow solar panels to generate energy on wintry days
Over 30,000 edible drinks capsules made from seaweed were handed out to runners at the London Marathon yesterday, in a bid to reduce plastic waste. More about London Marathon offers edible seaweed drinks capsules as alternative to plastic bottles
Buildings could be cooled with zero energy using the Invert shading system, made from a smart material called thermobimetal that changes shape in response to heat. More about Thermobimetal shutters by Doris Sung self-regulate the temperature of buildings
Bioplastics could potentially be worse for the environment than conventional plastics, according to recycling expert Arthur Huang. More about Bioplastics could be "just as bad if not worse" for the planet than fossil-fuel plastics
Note Design Studio has installed geometric totem poles inside a historic Milanese building to showcase the potential of IQ Surface, a new material by Tarkett that can be continuously recycled. More about Note Design Studio champions closed-loop sustainability with Formations installation
Dezeen editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs spoke to architect Arthur Mamou-Mani about the design of Conifera, his 3D-printed bioplastic installation for COS, in this talk filmed by Dezeen during Milan design week. More about Watch our talk with Arthur Mamou-Mani about his bioplastic COS installation
Eindhoven-based designer Thomas Vailly explores turning sunflower crop waste into bio-materials to make sustainable products from insulation panels to iPhone cases. More about Thomas Vailly uses sunflowers to make bio-based materials
Neri Oxman's Mediated Matter Group at MIT has designed an installation using melanin — and says the skin pigment will inevitably be used in architecture. More about Neri Oxman builds with melanin for Totems project
US bike brand Bontrager has launched an improved bicycle helmet that they say is 48 times more likely to prevent concussion than standard foam versions. More about Bontrager's WaveCel bike helmet promises to radically reduce head injury
Researchers from the University of Wollongong in Australia have developed a 3D bioprinter that can replicate human ears for use in reconstructive surgery. More about University of Wollongong uses stem cells to 3D-print human ears
Carbon dioxide could be removed from the atmosphere and stored as a solid in a bid to manage climate change, using a new technique pioneered at Australia's RMIT University. More about Scientists turn carbon dioxide back into coal
Ancient building material cob has been brought up to contemporary standards by a team of British and French researchers, who see it as an environmentally friendly option for homes. More about Researchers re-engineer cob into sustainable new building material CobBauge
UNStudio and Monopol Colors have created an extremely reflective white paint that can reduce the amount of heat buildings absorb and cool cities in the face of climate change. More about UNStudio develops The Coolest White paint to cool down our cities
Black Panther took home the 2019 Academy Award for Best Costume Design for outfits that included an intricate collar and crown created using 3D printing. More about Black Panther's Oscar-winning costumes include 3D-printed designs
Researchers at University of Maryland have invented a smart material capable of warming up a person when they're cold and cooling them down when they're hot. More about Scientists create temperature-regulating fabric
Layer has developed a smart textile for use in Airbus' economy class seating, which would allow passengers to monitor and control their seat conditions using their phone. More about Layer's smart Move seating for Airbus adapts to the passengers' needs
University of Pennsylvania engineers have altered a sheet of nickel to produce a material they call "metallic wood", which is extremely strong and light. More about "Metallic wood" is as strong as titanium but five times lighter
Spierings' Echo combines bespoke speakers with removable tubes made of different materials that can be used to alter the properties of the music played by the system. More about Tessa Spierings' tactile sound system explores the acoustic properties of materials
London-based architect and designer Bastian Beyer's project explores the potential of using knitted textile structures that have been biologically solidified as sustainable construction materials. More about Bastian Beyer uses bacteria to calcify knitting into construction materials