Computer simulations detailing polymers at the level of atoms are shedding light on how these synthetic materials deform and bear loads. They are even providing clues to how bespoke polymers with surface and bulk properties targeted for specific applications can be designed from bottom-up. T he white, flimsy glass in which you were served the dark, flat cola at the last party you attended was made of a material called polystyrene foam, though, understandably, you could not ca