Researchers at Michigan State University have figured out how to use a fast laser to wiggle atoms in a way that temporarily changes the behavior of their host material. Their novel approach could lead to smaller, faster and more efficient electronics — like smartphones — in the future. It does this by moving an extremely sharp metal tip over the surface, “feeling” atoms through an electrical signal, like reading braille. Cocker’s microscope could even see the atoms moving during this process and photograph the unique “on” and “off” states of the switch they had created. Mendoza-Cortes’ research focuses on creating computer simulations.