Scientists have created the coolest way to use lasers we’ve seen in a while. A team at University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics made a superhydrophobic surface that causes water to bounce right off of it like a SuperBall hitting the floor.

The material was made by using lasers to etch microscopic structures into the metal. Unlike current chemical nonstick coatings, the etching won’t degrade and wear away over time. (We’re looking at you, 10-year-old “non-stick” Teflon pans.)

The team behind the etched metal was inspired by nature’s many hydrophobic, self-cleaning surfaces. They use the example of the lotus leaf: it is extremely hydrophobic and uses this quality to keep its surface clean of dirt and debris.

Studying the lotus leaf up close yielded the discovery that the lotus leaf surface is covered in a hierarchal structure of patterns on the micro and nano scales. They recreated the same type of structure in their multi-functional hydrophobic surfaces to induce the crazy water-bouncing effect seen in their videos.

Possible uses for the new superhydrophobic surface are widely varied and completely awesome: waterless toilets, ice-proof airplane wings, smoother flowing air conditioning pipes, anti-microbial coatings, and effective rust-proofing.

The post Water Bounces Right Off of This Laser-Etched Metal Surface first appeared on Gajitz.

Ever feel like making a t-shirt waterproof? Thanks to Rust-Oleum, now you can. They’ve developed NeverWet, a spray that makes almost anything completely waterproof, with the help of Ross Nanotechnology. We (and everyone else who has ever dreamed of a waterproof world) have been eagerly awaiting the product’s availability.

After a lengthy development, NeverWet is finally in stores and usually costs around $20 per can. A silicone-based ultra-hydrophobic coating, the waterproofing system is a two-step process, with one can covering about 10-15 square feet. The demonstration videos are amazing and showcase the coating’s ultra-waterproofing abilities.

The post Get Ready for a Waterproof World With Insane New Spray first appeared on Gajitz.