Transparent is not usually one of them, but researchers have now developed a method to make semi-transparent wood a reality, and it could have interesting applications in the future.

This slice of semi-transparent wood is made with natural materials and could be used in applications from wearable sensors to energy-efficient windows. Credit: Bharat Baruah ...

The voids in the material were then filled with a mixture of rice extract and egg white before being dried in an oven at 60°C (140°F) to create a semi-transparent plate with a slight brown tint.

Technology Engineering Eggs, sticky rice, and transparent wood create new kind of window Ancient masonry techniques may help replace costly glass. Andrew Paul Mar 26, 2025 11:38 AM EDT ...

Probably not -- unless you've heard of transparent wood. Made by modifying wood's natural structure, this material has been proposed as a sturdy, eco-friendly alternative for plastic.

Transparent is not usually one of them, but researchers have now developed a method to make semi-transparent wood a reality, and it could have interesting applications in the future.

Transparent wood, made by modifying wood’s natural structure, has been proposed as a sturdy, eco-friendly plastic alternative. But wood’s biodegradability is often sacrificed in the process.

This slice of semi-transparent wood is made with natural materials and could be used in applications from wearable sensors to energy-efficient windows. Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not ...