For the first time, scientists have created a permanently magnetic liquid. While soft magnets —also known as a ferromagnetic liquid—exist already, this discovery is different. A soft magnet can exist in liquid form when it’s close to magnetic objects, but it only remains magnetized when in the presence of such an object. This magnetic liquid, however, remained magnetized even after the magnetic object was removed.  How it Happened Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California were originally creating materials that are solid but have characteristics of liquids by using 3D printing liquids of tiny droplets of water, oil, and iron oxides—a chemical compound made up of iron and oxygen. Lead author and grad student Xubo Liu was looking at the 3D printed droplets when he noticed its particles spinning in unison -- then realizing the entire object was spinning as well. The scientists then separated the droplets and placed them near a magnetic coil, which magnetized them.  Again, this is normal and is known as a ferromagnetic liquid. What was different, however, was that when the coil was taken away, the droplets remained magnetized. Not only that, but the liquid droplets could morph into various shapes and be externally manipulated to move around, according to a description in LiveScience. At this point, researchers are not entirely sure why any of this was able to happen.  Potential Applications Once scientists figure out how exactly these particles are able to hold onto their magnetic field, this magnetic liquid could have some interesting applications. Thomas Russell, a distinguished professor of polymer science and engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, says “for me, it sort of represents a new state of magnetic materials.” Creating a mini “grabber” is one application, according to Russell. “Printing a cylinder with a non-magnetic middle and two magnetic caps. The two ends would come together like a horseshoe magnet.  Another application can be a mini liquid person! For Terminator fans, Russell imagines a smaller-scale version of the liquid T-1000 from the second movie. Once more research is done and there are more answers about how this liquid works, more applications will come in the future. For now, you can read more about the findings from the July 19th publication in The Journal Science.  Magnetic News by Apex Magnets Delivered Right to Your Inbox If you’re interested in these types of discoveries—who isn’t excited about possible mini liquid people?— sign up for our newsletter to get stories like this delivered to you every month. Or, check out our Magnets in the News blog section.