In 1959, a metal meant for missile work bent back into shape and triggered a revolution in materials science

A chance discovery in 1959 by military scientists led to Nitinol, a metal that remembers its shape. This nickel-titanium alloy, initially researched for missiles, can return to its original form after bending when heated. Nitinol's unique property opened a new field of shape-memory alloys. It now finds applications in medicine, aerospace, and robotics, continuing to inspire innovation.