Technique Allows Researchers to Examine How Materials Bond at the Atomic Level

Facts:

1. Strain makes a difference in how bonds form, but there hasn't been a great deal of understanding on how this idea works on the atomic level
2. Scientists have been able to influence the assembly process of silicon crystals by applying strain during bond formation
3. The results from the experiment led to the conclusion that application of even small amount of strain in one direction increases the chemical reactivity of bonds in a certain direction, which in turn causes structural changes
4. Continued research should allow for future scientists to be able to identify the significant hidden variables, and silicon-based devices will in turn become more efficient as a result.