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Revolutionary 'Odd Crystals' Challenge Traditional Material Science

10/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from Germany and the United States report a new class of crystalline solids called "odd crystals" formed by rotating particles, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The materials exhibit odd elasticity, twisting under force rather than stretching.
The study shows these crystals can fragment and reassemble, challenging traditional crystal growth and suggesting broad applications, including mechanical switches and biomimetic materials, via transverse interactions.

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Story summary

Researchers from Germany and the United States report a new class of crystalline solids called "odd crystals" formed by rotating particles, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The materials exhibit odd elasticity, twisting under force rather than stretching.
The study shows these crystals can fragment and reassemble, challenging traditional crystal growth and suggesting broad applications, including mechanical switches and biomimetic materials, via transverse interactions.