This text describes how scientists are inventing thousands of materials, ranging from synthetic skin, blood and bone, to substances that repair themselves and adapt to their environment. It outlines how newly-invented materials will transform our lives in the 21st century.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [429]-444) and index.

The art of making -- Light talk : photonic materials -- Total recall : materials for information storage -- Clever stuff : smart materials -- Only natural : biomaterials -- Spare parts : biomedical materials -- Full power : materials for clean energy -- Tunnel vision : porous materials -- Hard work : diamond and hard materials -- Chain reactions : the new polymers -- Face value : surfaces and interfaces.