This mechanism shrinks when pulled

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How an unlikely physics paradox controls these counterintuitive structures. Use code veritasium at to get an exclusive 60% off.

If you’re looking for a molecular modeling kit, try Snatoms, a kit I invented where the atoms snap together magnetically -

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A huge thank you to Paul Ducarme and Bas Overvelde at AMOLF for showing us around.
Check out their research on counter-snapping structures here -

For more on Braess’s Paradox, check out these great videos by Up and Atom () and Steve Mould ()

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0:00 What happens if you cut this rope?
1:41 The Spring Paradox
4:59 New York’s Perplexing Discovery
6:29 Road Networks and Traffic Flow
8:40 Braess’s Paradox
14:29 Snapping
17:16 This object shrinks when you stretch it

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References:

Ducarme, P., Weber, B., Hecke, M. van, & Johannes. (2025). Exotic mechanical properties enabled by countersnapping instabilities. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences -
Braess's Paradox via Wikipedia -
Braess, D., Nagurney, A., & Wakolbinger, T. (2005). On a Paradox of Traffic Planning. Transportation Science -
Schäfer, B., Pesch, T., Manik, D., Gollenstede, J., Lin, G., Beck, H.-P., … Timme, M. (2022). Understanding Braess’ Paradox in power grids. Nature Communications -
Kolata, G. (1990). What if They Closed 42d Street and Nobody Noticed? New York Times -
Youn, H., Gastner, M. T., & Jeong, H. (2008). Price of Anarchy in Transportation Networks: Efficiency and Optimality Control. Physical Review Letters -
Nicolaou, Z. G., & Motter, A. E. (2012). Mechanical metamaterials with negative compressibility transitions. Nature Materials -
Counter-Snapping replication package -

Images & Video:

Earth Day Festivities via VHS Music Rarities -
Earth Day Speeches -
1990s New York via NYC Nostalgia -
42nd Street Closure via Trainluvr -
42nd Street Traffic Operator -
Dietrich Braess via opc.mfo.de -
Dietrich Braess via Wikipedia -
Belt Buckle via Mingda Hardware -

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Writers: Gregor Čavlović & Derek Muller
Producer & Director: Gregor Čavlović
Editors: James Stuart & Trenton Oliver
Camera Operators: Sander Mook, Dylan Meanwell, Fabio Albertelli, Casper Mebius & Gregor Čavlović
Animator: Fabio Albertelli
Illustrator: Jakub Misiek
Additional Editor: Peter Nelson & James Horsley
Researchers: Darius Garewal & Gabe Strong
Thumbnail Designers: Ren Hurley & Ben Powell
Production Team: Rob Beasley Spence, Tori Brittain & Matthew Cavanagh
Executive Producers: Derek Muller & Casper Mebius

Additional video/photos supplied by Getty Images, Pond5.
Music from Epidemic Sound