Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed what seems to be a kind of miracle plastic, one that's thin and transparent yet as strong and durable as steel. The new material could be used for lighter, stronger armor for soldiers as well as improving microtechnology like microchips or biomedical sensors, among other things.

Not only is it thin and strong, but the superplastic is also very eco-friendly to produce. Composed mainly of clay and a nontoxic glue similar to what you used to eat in kindergarten, it takes very little energy to make and is completely biodegradable. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Well, apparently they're already working on practical applications for it, and it should be ready to roll in just a couple of years. Awesome. — Adam Frucci

Cosmos, via Spulch