Ratchet (IMAGE) Queen Mary University of London Caption The ratcheting building block that could be embedded in the new materials. After vertical compression, it keeps materials collapsed, and can release their energy on side-ways pull. Credit Stoyan Smoukov Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.