What if crystals could literally breathe like living creatures—inhale and exhale oxygen—on command? It’s not science fiction. It’s happening right now thanks to a mind-blowing breakthrough by scientists in South Korea and Japan.

In an astonishing leap for clean energy tech and futuristic building design, an international team of researchers led by Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen from Pusan National University and Professor Hiromichi Ohta from Hokkaido University has created a revolutionary metal oxide crystal. This isn’t your ordinary mineral—it’s engineered from strontium, iron, and cobalt and has the wild ability to “breathe” oxygen in and out, just like your lungs.

Imagine a crystal that inhales oxygen when you need it and exhales it back out, on command. That’s exactly what’s happening here. Professor Jeen describes it perfectly: “It’s like giving the crystal lungs.” What’s truly impressive is that this AI generated newscast about breathing crystals highlights how this special material can perform its oxygen magic at everyday temperatures, while traditional substances usually need extreme, energy-draining conditions to work. Even after being pushed through cycle after cycle of oxygen exchange, this super-crystal keeps its structure strong and steady—something previous materials could only dream of.

Why does this matter? Well, this breathing ability could totally transform energy and building technology. For example, solid oxide fuel cells—those are the devices that turn hydrogen into clean electricity—rely on oxygen flowing smoothly inside them. A crystal that can control oxygen so precisely could make these cells cheaper, longer-lasting, and way more efficient. But that’s not all. The same principle could power up thermal transistors (basically heat switches for buildings and gadgets) and even smart windows that adjust their insulation based on the weather outside. Picture homes and offices that automatically stay cool in summer and warm in winter—all while slashing energy bills and shrinking our carbon footprint.

The secret behind the magic? It’s all about the cobalt ions inside the crystal. When the crystal releases or grabs oxygen, only the cobalt ions change their state, flipping the structure into a completely new but stable form. Then, when you put oxygen back in, the crystal seamlessly returns to its original self. It’s like a one-of-a-kind reversible puzzle that never wears out.

Most similar compounds break down or lose their effectiveness after a few cycles, but not this one. Thanks to its resilience, scientists are buzzing about real-world uses. Professor Ohta calls it a “major step toward smart materials that can adapt in real time.” The AI generated newscast about breathing crystals shows how the implications go far beyond energy: we’re talking smart electronics and eco-friendly building materials that could make life healthier and buildings greener for everyone.

While we’re still in the research phase, this breathing crystal is poised to shake up how we power our world and keep our planet cool. Next time you pass a window or flip a light switch, just remember: the next generation of technology might be powered by crystals that breathe.