This issue's news looks at a hot embossing technique that creates glass alternatives to plastic lenses in projectors, a novel adhesive that overcomes delamination difficulties in printed electronics, and ways of improving the manufacturing of flexible electronics. 

Also investigated is a digital simulation technique to make nuclear decommissioning more efficient, the future of European mining as explored at the Global Mining Forum in London, and how scientists are seeking a better understanding of fatigue damage.

Our lead feature shows how the UK space industry is standing tall through difficult economic times, while Professor Ian Robertson of the National Science Foundation in Arlington, USA, talks about stimulating materials R&D in our Q&A. Dr Brenda Keneghan of London's Victoria and Albert Museum outlines a programme to preserve plastic artefacts, while another feature examines a more sustainable polyvinyl process is examined. There is also a report on a novel hybrid construction that inhibits rapid gas decompression in elastomer seals.

In minerals and mining, the prospects of the central Mexican silver belt are revealed, and a report on Iron Ore Day in London outlines the development and latest discoveries of this ferrous metal and bellwether of the global economy.