News this issue looks at nanotechnology - better methods of characterising nanomaterials, the commercial benefits of applying nanotechnology in sports equipment, and nanotechnology’s potential in preparing ordered magnetic materials.

Meanwhile, ways of preventing theft of lead roofing are discussed, and we investigate a polymer design that mimics the
toughness of sea urchins, clay and fungal extracts used in sunscreen and an engineering code for bamboo construction.

Features focus on mathematical modelling and how this can improve product design, with contributions from scientists at the UK's National Physical Laboratory. Predicting failure behaviour in reinforced concrete columns with pressure-impulse diagrams and thermodynamic modelling to address industrial processing problems are among examples considered.

RW Thomson’s contribution to tyre engineering, optimising encapsulation methods for nuclear waste streams, methods of
filtration in mining and metallurgical applications, and copper mining techniques are also featured.

Books reviewed look at the history of liquid crystal, materials for energy-efficient buildings and vehicle noise, while Material Matters considers the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame.