Tag

Adhesive

All articles tagged with #adhesive

archaeology1 year ago

Ancient Neanderthals' Ingenious Stone Tool Adhesives Uncovered

A new study published in Science Advances reveals evidence of Neanderthals creating stone tools held together by a multi-component adhesive, showcasing a higher level of cognition and cultural development than previously thought. The tools, dating from 120,000 to 40,000 years ago, were found at an archaeological site in France and were wrapped and untouched since the 1960s. Traces of a mixture of ochre and bitumen were found on the tools, with tensile tests showing that this combination formed a malleable mass suitable for a handle. Microscopic wear analysis confirmed the use of adhesives in this way, shedding light on Neanderthals' technical abilities.

archaeology1 year ago

"Neanderthal Ingenuity: Uncovering Europe's Oldest Glued Blades"

Researchers studying Neanderthal tools from 120,000 to 40,000 years ago found evidence of a complex adhesive made of bitumen and ochre, the oldest of its kind in Europe. The adhesive was used on stone tools at the Le Moustier site in France, improving their solidity and rigidity. Microscopic imaging revealed wear indicating the adhesives were used as handles, rather than just for joining tools. This discovery highlights the intelligence and inventiveness of Neanderthals, challenging outdated perceptions of them, and shedding light on their gradual assimilation into Homo sapiens.

archaeology1 year ago

"Neanderthals' Advanced Tool-Making Skills Unveiled Through 40,000-Year-Old Multi-Compound Glue"

A 40,000-year-old multi-compound adhesive found on Neanderthal-made stone tools suggests that Neanderthals were more intelligent than previously thought. The adhesive, made of bitumen and ocher, resembles those used by early Homo sapiens in Africa, indicating a similar level of cognition. Chemical analyses of the tools from the Le Moustier site in France revealed traces of both ocher and bitumen, suggesting forward-planning and imagination in the Neanderthals' cognitive processes. The adhesive likely served as a grip for stone tools, showcasing a technical solution similar to early modern humans in Africa but with a Neanderthal "spin."

science-and-technology2 years ago

"The Unseen Potential: Superglue's Tech Revolution"

Super Glue, the popular adhesive used by tinkerers and engineers, was actually a result of a failed attempt to develop a clear plastic gun sight. Chemist Harry Coover discovered that the cyanoacrylates used in the project stuck to everything, leading him to patent the use of cyanoacrylate as an adhesive in 1954. Although Coover didn't make much money from Super Glue, it became widely used after the patent expired. The glue's ability to seal wounds quickly was also recognized by the US Army during the Vietnam War. The chemistry behind Super Glue involves the polymerization process triggered by water, which creates a strong bond.

science2 years ago

The intricate process behind Neanderthal adhesives.

Neanderthals developed a method of generating a glue derived from birch tar to hold their tools together about 200,000 years ago, which was waterproof and didn't decompose. Researchers found evidence that this glue wasn't just the original tar; it had been transformed in some way. The team tried several different processing methods and found that Neanderthals distilled tar in an intentionally created underground environment that restricted oxygen flow and remained invisible during the process. This degree of complexity is unlikely to have been invented spontaneously.

technology2 years ago

Google Pixel Watch facing back panel falling off issue.

Some Pixel Watch owners are experiencing the back panel of their watch falling off due to problems with the adhesive used to attach the panel. While not a widespread issue, Google has confirmed it is working to fix the problem and identify the cause. Most affected watches have been replaced by Google under warranty, but at least one user had to pay $300 for the replacement. This is not the first time a smartwatch has experienced this issue, with Fossil's Gen 4 and Gen 5 hardware also suffering from a similar problem.

technology2 years ago

Google's Pixel Watch plagued by back panel issues.

Multiple Pixel Watch users are reporting that the backplate of their smartwatch is randomly popping open, indicating that the adhesive responsible for keeping it attached has dried up. Google has not yet officially acknowledged the problem, but customer support has issued replacements in most cases. The issue is troubling as it affects the watch's dust and water resistance ratings and reduces confidence in the rating even when the backplate is in place.

automotive2 years ago

Honda recalls 330K vehicles for side mirrors at risk of falling off.

Honda is recalling 330,000 Odyssey, Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline vehicles built between 2020 and 2021 due to a bonding issue with the heating elements in the side-view mirrors. The adhesive can fail, causing the reflective glass to fall off. Honda claims the issue was addressed in July 2021, and current cars are safe. Owners of affected vehicles will receive a notification in the mail, but can also check NHTSA's recalls page using their car's VIN.