“Like Liquid Metal”: Scientists Create Strange Shape-Shifting Material

CU Boulder researchers found that staple-shaped grains interlock more strongly than other shapes, creating a granular material that can act like a solid under tension.

The team showed the material can switch between rigid and loose states when vibrated, making it reversible and tunable.

Monte Carlo simulations and experiments suggest a new path to stronger, reusable materials for construction and adaptive robotics.