Using a new technique known as 4D printing, researchers can print out dynamic 3D structures capable of changing their shapes over time. Such 4D-printed items could one day be used in everything from ...

Computer animation may be a lot better than it used to be, but it’s been around for quite a while. This is an example of one of the older bits, dating way back to 1965, and it features some 4D shapes.

With 4D printing, the objects can change shape or properties using external stimuli such as temperature, light, pH, magnetic field, electricity, and moisture. Additionally, the changes in shape or ...