A world first at the microscopic scale: Metamaterials that can shrink and expand on their own
Phys.org
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Leiden physicists Daniela Kraft and Julio Melio have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in the field of metamaterials by creating soft structures capable of changing shape without any external influence. This innovative development, detailed in their research published in *Nature*, marks a world-first at the microscopic scale. The breakthrough introduces the concept of self-reconfiguring materials, which could pave the way for transformative applications in smart materials and microscopic robotics. These findings represent a significant leap forward in material science, offering unprecedented control over structural dynamics at an incredibly small scale.
The researchers utilized light or heat to induce shape changes in their soft metamaterials, enabling them to shrink, expand, or alter their form autonomously. Unlike traditional rigid metamaterials, these soft structures are highly adaptable and can respond
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/25/2026