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Move over cassette tapes, adhesive tape has memory, too

Ordinary adhesive tape stores a sequence of multiple memories with tunable strength, allowing for simple mechanical calculations. Researchers developed an automated device to create these memories by peeling the tape past designated distances.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026

Shape memory polymer dry adhesive technology paves the way for micro-LED innovation

Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology developed a novel dry adhesive technology using shape memory polymers, allowing for precise micro-LED chip transfer with minimal residue. The technology offers significant advantages over conventional methods, including high adhesion strength and easy release.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2025

Shape memory for nano-sized objects

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully applied the shape-memory effect to nano-sized objects, overcomes the limitation of objects needing to be larger than 50 nanometers. The material ferroic oxides showed a free-standing nanoscale structure made of ferroic oxides that are highly elastic and resilient.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2023

Study sheds light on how songs, movies and memories shape how people enjoy lighthearted entertainment

A new study from the University of Kansas found that people tend to have more memories associated with older songs and movie clips, which are often happier and more positive. The researchers discovered that these nostalgic experiences can lead to appreciation for lighthearted entertainment, such as pop music or superhero movies.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Communication·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2022

Exploding and weeping ceramics provide path to new shape-shifting material

Scientists have created a reversible shape memory ceramic material by combining different phases, overcoming the brittleness of traditional ceramics. This breakthrough has potential applications in high-temperature or corrosive environments, enabling new ferroelectric ceramics that can generate electricity from small temperature differ...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

Scientists explore method to produce composites with ‘shape memory’

Researchers investigated glass fiber-reinforced epoxy-based flat laminates with pultrusion, a fast and versatile composite manufacturing process. The study found significant promise for structural applications of these 'shape memory' composites in various industries.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComposites Part A Applied Science and Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

How do our memories take shape?

Researchers developed a computer program to create geometric shapes from video sequences, comparing them to participants' recounted experiences. The study found that people tend to remember major plot points accurately, while finer-scale details are distorted or forgotten.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateFeb 11, 2021

Two-photon polymerization of PEGda hydrogel microstructure with low threshold power with green laser

A team of scientists has developed a novel hydrogel formula based on PEGda and HMPP for 3D direct laser writing (DLW) with low threshold power using a green laser. The new formula enables the fabrication of precise microstructures with high resolution and mechanical stability, suitable for biomedical engineering applications such as wo...

Actin 'avalanches' may make memories stick

Researchers at Rice University have simulated a complex network mechanism by which the brain retains information. The study suggests that cytoskeletal avalanches within neurons' dendritic spines may be one way they retain new information.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2020

Scientists discover new type of self-healing material

Researchers create a new type of self-healing material that exhibits properties such as toughness and shape memory. The material autonomously heals under mechanical damage, including in water and aqueous acid and alkaline solutions, without the need for external energy or stimulus.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 7, 2019

A shape to remember

Kyoto University scientists have developed a shape-memory effect in porous materials, which can change and retain their shapes. The new material, with a porosity of 46%, has been shown to adsorb carbon dioxide and retain its shape after multiple cycles.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2018

Theoretical climbing rope could brake falls

Researchers created a mathematical equation for an ideal dynamic climbing rope that would slow falling climbers like brakes on cars. The study suggests using shape memory materials, which can be deformed and return to their original shape, to achieve this effect.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part P Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology·DateJul 5, 2016

Memory and the hippocampus

A new study by Douglas Mental Health University Institute researchers suggests that the shape of the hippocampus, not its size, is linked to improved memory function. The research, published in Human Brain Mapping, found that individuals with a broader hippocampus tend to perform better on memory tests than those with a smaller one.

SourceDouglas Mental Health University Institute·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateMay 13, 2015

Remembrances of things past

A team of scientists at Berkeley Lab has developed a new material that exhibits the highest shape-memory effect ever recorded in an oxide material. This breakthrough discovery opens up exciting possibilities for future nanoelectromechanical devices and other state-of-the-art nanosystems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2013

Can metals remember their shape at nanoscale, too?

Physicists from the University of Constance used computer simulations to study shape memory materials down to the nanoscale. They found that the material's atomic-scale crystal structure shifted as the temperature increased, triggering a structural phase transition.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 8, 2011

How shape-memory materials remember

Researchers are gaining insight into the workings of magnetic shape-memory materials by studying their molecular level behavior. By examining the effects of excess manganese atoms on a specific alloy, scientists hope to develop materials that exhibit larger changes in shape.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 26, 2010

'Retrospective rubber' remembers its old identities

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new class of transparent, rubbery shape-memory polymers that can be controlled to change shape in response to temperature. This material has potential applications as diverse as biomedical implants, conformal face-masks, self-sealing sutures, and smart labels.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 12, 2007