Engineers have produced an alloy that springs back into shape even after it is bent more than 10 million times.

A new shape memory material stays strong even after tens of millions of transformations. It may finally pave way for widespread usage of the futuristic materials.

Shape-memory alloys are probably best known as the magic materials behind "indestructible" eyeglasses and underwired bras—but they have all kinds of amazing uses, particularly in medicine and aerospace. How exactly do they work? Let's take a closer look!

The article discusses research by scientist Bassem Andrawes and team into the repair of earthquake-damaged bridges. The method uses spiral shape memory alloy (SMA) wires fabricated from a nickel-titanium-niobium alloy to wrap weakened bridge columns, creating pressure that strengthens the columns and improves their ductility against future damage.

A metal alloy that can "remember its shape" could improve the treatment of badly broken bones, say researchers.

In an effort to make a greener, more energy efficient cooling system, a team of engineers from Germany's Saarland University is turning to shape memory materials to replace the refrigerant gases used in conventional cooling technologies.