At a molecular level, the process is fascinating. When the molecules of biological materials combine with liquid water, they induce a sort of "order" in its structure. In response, water, which naturally tends to return to its chaotic and disordered state, reacts by exerting a repulsive force, known as the hydration force, that pushes the biological material molecules away. Although this interaction was already known in chemistry and biology, its importance in determining the macroscopic properties of materials was never fully understood. Researchers discovered that this force is the key element controlling the rigidity and dynamics of hydration solids.
Simple math for complex phenomena
The impact of this research goes beyond mere theoretical understanding. By putting water front and center, researchers have been able to describe the properties of familiar materials like wood and fungi with incredibly simple and elegant mathematics. This new model is much more efficient than the previous complex models, which required advanced computer simulations. This unequivocally shows that water plays a central role in the character of wood, plants, fungi, and other natural materials, far more than was previously thought.
This conceptual revolution paves the way for new applications in various fields. Hydration solids could be used to create new materials with tailor-made properties, to develop sensors that react to humidity, or to design high-performance dampening systems. This research has not only redefined our view of biological materials but has also opened an entirely new field of study for materials science.
Bibliography:
Steven G. Harrellson et al. 07 June 2023 Hydration solids Nature volume 619, pages500–505 (2023) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06144-y
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