A new technology lets researchers use metal to create nature-inspired surfaces with unique powers, including rose petals' water-repelling ability.

Within the growing mountains of electronic waste, precious metals lie waiting to be recovered.

Companies are eager to mine the deep ocean for valuable mineral deposits. But scientists are concerned about impacts on sea life, including creatures that haven't even been discovered yet.

Human hair is 50 times softer than steel, yet it can chip away a razor’s edge, a new study shows.

With a bit of voltage, researchers have shown they can turn droplets of liquid metal into streams the diameter of a human hair.

Small-scale gold mining operations in developing countries are major sources of toxic mercury pollution, using techniques that haven't changed much since the California Gold Rush 150 years ago.

X-ray analysis of three brass links from Henry VIII's warship the Mary Rose offers clues to life onboard.

A new method can turn any metal surface into an antimicrobial material by changing its texture with lasers, researchers report.

Spanish conquerors depended on indigenous expertise to keep up their munitions supplies, archaeologists have found.

Sorting through millions of possibilities, a search for battery materials delivered results in five weeks instead of 50 years.