Simulation demonstrating active matter (IMAGE) Penn State Caption In this computer model, conceived by researchers from Penn State and Ludwig-Maximillian University, communications by small, self-propelled agents led to intelligent-like collective behavior. The simulation shows snapshots in time and displays droplet ripening, vortex-controlled aggregation and the merging of vortices. Credit Courtesy Igor Aronson/Penn State Usage Restrictions Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted. License CC BY-NC-ND 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.