The technology could potentially be used in the high-performance composite polymer materials replacing metal in the new generation of superjumbo aircraft.

CNN: The emerging world of self-healing materials

Part of the Dreamliner's appeal to airlines is its increased fuel efficiency due to its construction of lightweight composite materials instead of metal.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

With the baseball season getting under way, high-school and Little League players aged 13 and up face a change in their hitting game: In response to safety concerns, they will no longer be able to wield the metal and composite bats they swung last year.

WSJ: HEARD ON THE STREET: Dick's Steps Into the Batter's Box

The composite materials are much lighter than traditional metal (though equally as sturdy), enabling planes to be a little larger and thus more spacious while still consuming the same amount of fuel.

BBC: Increased comfort in the sky

Metal companies also made substantial gains in China, where the Shanghai Composite climbed 1.2% to 2231.17.

WSJ: Malaysia Outperforms Asia on Poll Result