Major breakthrough: unprecedented control of active matter

https://phys.org/news/2024-10-scientists-unprecedented.html

"trapping 3D active nematic liquid crystals (elongated molecules aligned in the same direction) within cell-sized spherical droplets... controlling molecule orientation... spontaneous deformation/ flow without external forces... stop moving when confinement is strong... control over active chaos... mix microtubule (biopolymer) bundles crucial for cell division, along with motor proteins/ oil creating emulsion... biological cell alignment, cell division mitotic spindle organization, soft robotics, artificial cells, self-healing materials"

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https://phys.org/news/2024-10-uncrackable-scorpions-sponges-sustainable.html