A Chemical Compound (IMAGE) DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Caption A chemical compound known as a ligand (pink), which binds to the surface of nanocrystals (green), competes with the binding of polymer strands (red) in a process that causes the crystals to behave in a solid-like state. Scientists also demonstrated that the collection of nanocrystals can relax back to a liquid-like state. The blue background represents a liquid droplet, and the yellow represents an oily substance surrounding the droplet. Credit Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 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.