Stronger than plastic and tougher than glass, the resin-filled material is being exploited for smartphone screens, insulated windows and more. By Jude Coleman / Knowable Magazine Published Dec 14, ...

Researchers at the University of Osaka have developed a highly transparent material made entirely from natural wood without adding plastic and uncovered why some wood becomes clearer than others.

Can you imagine having a smartphone with a wooden touchscreen? Or a house with wooden windows? Probably not -- unless you've heard of transparent wood. Made by modifying wood's natural structure, this ...