New materials with interlocking parts can flow like liquid or contract like muscles. Learn more: News from Science

The paper behind it: The researchers wanted to create a new type of polymer material that has mechanical bonds between its molecules. Mechanical bonds are special connections that allow the molecules to move in a controlled way, which can lead to unique properties. The 2D MIM (2D mechanically interlocked polymer) polymer had a unique structure where each repeat unit contained a mechanically bonded macrocycle. The researchers were able to exfoliate the 2D MIM into thin nanosheets and study their atomic-level structure using advanced electron microscopy techniques. They found that the 2D MIM sheets were highly crystalline yet also flexible. full paper:

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@NewsfromScience Well that's fascinating and creepy

@NewsfromScience Is it an insanely viscous liquid? Or a solid? Or something else? Weird to be able to rearrange molecules like that. But imagine the implications!

@NewsfromScience Awesome for robots!