Is there a way to understand the materials that surround us not as passive objects, but as intelligences interacting with our own? In this work, expert in materials science and nanotechnology Laura Tripaldi provides insights into the properties and behaviors of matter as revealed by advanced chemistry, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology, while also offering a philosophical reflection that bridges nature and culture. The result is a technomaterial bestiary filled with encounters with various entities, from cobwebs and Kevlar to centaurs and amoebas. Tripaldi explores the thread of new materialisms and the historical connections between women's work and the unnatural sciences in contemporary feminisms. This exploration reveals the intelligence present in our natural and technical environments, from the fabric of our devices and homes to our clothing and even our bodies. With lateral ideas and unexpected imagery, the book imbues the study and synthesis of materials with urgency. The materials around us actively participate in shaping our world, and harnessing their ability to interact intelligently may be crucial for the future of our species.
