JAPAN SETS COURSE FOR NEW MATERIALS.

The article presents a discussion on technological innovations and new material development in Japan. A superconducting electromagnetic propulsion ship, designed by Japan's Ship and Ocean foundation, replaces conventional screw propellers with magnetic fields. Not all of Japan's material innovation involves such high-technology areas as superconductivity. An equally creative technology application features Japanese "washi" in bicycles. Washi, a traditional Japanese paper, combines lightweight and strength in a new frame from the Japan Bicycle Technical Center. The frame reportedly offers 60 per cent of the tensile strength of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. INSET: Now there's a paper bike.