Scientists herald active matter breakthrough with creation of three-dimensional 'synthetic worms'

Researchers at the University of Bristol have created "life-like" synthetic materials that move independently, resembling worms. Using micron-sized Janus colloids in liquid and activated by an electric field, they observed worm-like structures forming in 3D. This "active matter" breakthrough could lead to applications in drug delivery, self-healing materials, and targeted medical treatments. At low densities, the particles formed worm-like chains, while at higher densities, they created sheet-like and maze-like structures.