Molybdenum Diselenide (IMAGE) Rice University Caption A sequence shows a molybdenum diselenide sample mounted on a nanomechanical measuring device at Rice University, where scientists determine the material is far more brittle than they expected. The atom-thick material is progressively stretched in the photos, clockwise from top left, until it completely splits. The researchers suspect defects as small as a single atom are the starting point for the brittle behavior. Credit Lou Group/Rice University Usage Restrictions For news reporting purposes only. 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.