Forget the Needle and Thread: Self-healing fabric mends itself of rips and tears

Based upon extensive field trials, Active Junky knows many textiles become ineffective when rips occur, even with on-the-fly duct tape patches. Researchers from Penn State have developed a micron-thin “self-healing” fabric coating enzyme bath of yeast and bacteria that causes fibers to naturally reattach to each other, repairing rips and tears in material. Developers say potential enzymes may also include those that naturally break down hazardous chemicals like pesticides and nerve agents, protecting the wearer from dangerous side effects. Read the full story here.