Phys.org’s Post

Recent advances in material science have demonstrated that chemical networks can be engineered to mimic the decentralized signaling found in simple nervous systems, enabling soft materials to move autonomously. By integrating enzyme-coated beads connected by flexible links, researchers have modeled systems where chemical reactions generate waves that translate directly into mechanical motion. This chemo-mechanical approach allows for position-specific and dynamic movement without electronics or centralized control, offering new possibilities for the development of soft robotics, adaptive materials, and autonomous chemical computing systems. The findings highlight the potential for simple chemical systems to achieve complex, coordinated behaviors.