The FCC team found that stacking the coatings one on top of another enhanced the anti-reflective properties of each layer.

CNN: New nano coating boosts solar efficiency

Graphene - a single-layer of carbon atoms - has extraordinary properties which give it immense potential.

BBC: Europe gives 2bn euros to science

Instead of separating the wheat from the chaff according to what layer it is found in, this relies on the different optical properties of the various inks, the mould and the parchment itself.

ECONOMIST: The Archimedes palimpsest

Its properties are so useful and unusual that it is used not only to create the base layer of skis, but also to make bulletproof jackets and artificial hip and knee joints.

ECONOMIST: Using ski wax can trap dirt, and thus slow down the skier

Because smart skins are grown by depositing layer upon layer, the base coating can be used as a foundation for adding other ingredients to tailor the material's properties for specific purposes.

ECONOMIST: MONITOR