Liquid crystals are a phase of matter with fascinating properties that make them useful for liquid crystal displays (LCDs), thermometers, and other applications. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) obtained from wood form a liquid crystalline phase in water, much the same way that soap forms micelles in water. The organization of the CNCs in water has been poorly understood, but is important for developing new applications with these materials. Now, Pei-Xi Wang (PhD student in the MacLachlan group) has discovered a way to trap the liquid crystalline phase in water. Using a rapid polymerization...