The University of Leeds has developed a way of making drumsticks that are
noisier and longer-lasting. A solid blend of polypropylene and polyethylene is
drawn through a metal die at a temperature below its melting point. This aligns
the molecules in long chains to produce drumsticks that bounce as stiffly as
hickory, but which can be struck harder because they are three times as strong
and yet last five times as long. Canadian company Tech-Triangle is to license
the British process for a new range of sticks.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

Technology
Record-breaking IBM chip uses trick to cram in 100 billion transistors
News

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
Bacteria-killing viruses redirect vaccine immunity to destroy cancer
News

Humans
Lost books by ancient philosophers recovered from 'unreadable' scrolls
News

Space
Possible signs of ancient life on Mars are rich in complex carbon
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
2
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
3
Possible signs of ancient life on Mars are rich in complex carbon
4
You should turn off fans when it's too hot – but how hot is too hot?
5
The best sci-fi novel in 2026 so far – plus 6 other great reads
6
Screwworm could be the first species targeted by an 'extinction drive'
7
Lost books by ancient philosophers recovered from 'unreadable' scrolls
8
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
9
Parenting may permanently improve brain health for mums and dads
10
Record-breaking IBM chip uses trick to cram in 100 billion transistors