The University of Tokyo is recently developing a new type of polymer glass that can mend itself from cracks and breaks when pressed together. The development started after a student from the university accidentally, Yu Yanagisawa, discovered a low-weight polymer called polyether-thiourea.  

The students was merely preparing the material as a glue when he chanced upon the breakthrough. He found out that when the surface of the polymer was cut, the material returns to its original form after a couple of hours. The research is now led by Professor Takudo Aida, saying that this kind of glass is useful for phone screens and other breakable devices.

This is not going to be the first time a polymer has been referred as a self-recuperating device material. Researchers at the University of California have also proposed the use of polymer that could stretch to 50 times its original size, and heal within 24 hours.