ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 46 STRESS RELIEF GOLD NUGGETS GROW FROM AN EARTHQUAKE New research led by Monash University geologists have discovered an electrifying process that leads to the formation of gold nuggets. “Our discovery provides a plausible explanation for the formation of large gold nuggets in quartz veins,” said Dr. Voisey, the lead researcher from the Monash University School of Earth Atmosphere and Environment. Quartz, the mineral that typically hosts these gold deposits, has a unique property called piezoelectricity—it generates an electric charge when subjected to stress. The researchers conducted an experiment designed to replicate the conditions quartz might experience during an earthquake. They submerged quartz crystals in a gold-rich fluid and applied stress using a motor to simulate the shaking of an earthquake. After the experiment, the quartz samples were examined under a microscope to see if any gold had been deposited. “The stressed quartz not only electrochemically deposited gold onto its surface, but it also formed and accumulated gold nanoparticles,” said study co-author Prof. Andy Tomkins. Once some gold is deposited, it becomes a focal point for further growth, effectively “plating” the gold grains with more gold. “In essence, the quartz acts like a natural battery, with gold as the electrode, slowly accumulating more gold with each seismic event,” said Dr. Voisey. This process could explain why large gold nuggets are so often associated with quartz veins formed in earthquake-related deposits. monash.edu. Imaging of a gold cluster formation a er the electrification of a quartz sample. Courtesy of Dr. Chris Voisey/Monash University. WALKING ON MUSHROOMS Mushrooms are the fruit of mycelium, which is a fungus with a dense, root-like structure. Now, Adidas has found a way to harness the supportive strength of mycelium into a new product called Mylo material. The unique substance is grown in a controlled lab environment during a two-week period during which time it increases to a workable size. Then it is harvested and used by Adidas manufacturers to create a revolutionary, “green” athletic shoe. That’s right. Adidas has created the Stan Smith Mylo, a concept shoe made of mushroom-based material. Amy Jones Vaterlaus, Global Head of Future at the footwear company, is optimistic that this innovative material will be a big step forward in helping end plastic waste. She said Mylo material was “designed in synergy with the earth’s ecosystems.” She added, “And as a brand, we continue to explore the possibilities in materials innovation.” Mylo material is just one example in a growing trend of engineering living materials. The field of bioinspired materials aims to mimic the useful features of natural structures. For example, many living materials exhibit dynamic properties that synthetic counterparts lack, such as the ability to self-assemble, self-heal after injury, adapt to environmental stimuli, and undergo continuous self-renewal. An emerging approach in materials science is to engineer the organisms themselves to serve as microbial “factories” for producing functional materials. Real-world applications, like the Stan Smith Mylo, demonstrate how the innovative integration of biology with engineering principles is making sustainable solutions tangible and accessible. adidas.com, nanowerk.com. The Stan Smith Mylo concept shoe uses mushroom-derived materials. Courtesy of Adidas.
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