Synopsis

"Making Stuff: Smarter" explores materials engineered to react to their surroundings, exhibiting adaptive qualities and even a form of learning—like an aircraft wing adjusting its shape mid-flight. Scientists are increasingly drawing inspiration from the natural world in their pursuit of such intelligent materials. Sharkskin, for example, has spurred the development of a substance that, when applied to hospital surfaces, could eradicate antibiotic-resistant bacteria. David Pogue visits a researc