Every now and then, something in science that can be very simple is so cool!  The properties that are displayed by liquid metal under certain circumstances are kind of mind blowing:

Researchers at NC State have developed a new method to remove liquid metal from microfluidic channels utilizing voltage. It provides a simple way to change the shape (and therefore function) of metals, which are important in electronics, optics, and in microsystems.

The liquid metal here is composed primarily of gallium. Unlike Hg, these metals are considered to have low toxicity. The surface of gallium reacts with air to form a thin, oxide ‘skin’.

Let’s find out more and see this liquid metal attempt to solve a maze in the video on page 2

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