Self-Healing Crystal (VIDEO) University of Chicago This video is under embargo. Please login to access this video. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Caption This video shows the hexagonal crystal pattern that naturally occurs when the crystalline structure is formed. The regular six-sided pattern imperfectly fits around the spherical droplet, so defects appear. Inserting an interstitial particle (black) allows the defect to "heal." The stresses caused by the extra particle can be seen in the creation of yellow and red shapes, which indicate particles coordinated with either five or seven others, as opposed to the normal six others. Credit William Irvine, University of Chicago Usage Restrictions News organizations may use this video in connection with reports about the work of William Irvine and his associates. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.