The new metamaterial can be controlled remotely to rapidly transform its size and shape. Credit: Jorge Vidal/Rice UniversityResearchers have developed a new metamaterial that can almost instantly change its shape and size via a remote control, potentially transforming implantable medical devices. The metamaterial is not only strong and stable, but also soft enough to reconfigure itself when needed. The material was also found to maintain its performance in harsh acidic environments like those found in the stomach, further demonstrating its potential to revolutionise ingestible medical devices. “We are now leveraging this metamaterial to develop ingestible systems that may one day treat obesity in humans or improve the health of marine mammals,” says Kong.