The smart chain mail fabric that can stiffen on demand

Researchers have developed a new kind of material with adjustable and reversible properties. This new smart fabric is 3D printed with interlinked particles, like chain mail. Applying pressure jams the particles together and the fabric becomes stiff and solid until the pressure is released. This unusual property could be useful for reusable casts and other medical applications. Read the research here: Sign up for the Nature Briefing: An essential round-up of science news, opinion and analysis, free in your inbox every weekday: