Israeli scientists at Ben-Gurion University have unveiled a novel plastic-like material that remains liquid until activated by light or gentle heat, promising safer and more efficient manufacturing. The breakthrough centers on latent monomers—stable liquid building blocks that only solidify when triggered, allowing precise control over curing and reducing waste in industrial processes. Unlike traditional methods that rely on dormant catalysts, the new approach embeds the activation mechanism within the material itself, using gold nanoparticles and standard catalysts to initiate solidification on demand. This innovation enables manufacturers to store, ship, and use the liquid for extended periods before activating it, streamlining production, printing, and repairs. The technology also allows for the creation of plastics with tailored properties by combining different building blocks, offering flexibility and improved performance in a single product.