Adding certain chemicals to a boiled egg causes the proteins inside it to be released, turning the boiled egg back into liquid.
Brainiacs can be proud because they know exactly what to do to turn a boiled egg back to its original state. It sounds like a science fiction scenario, but it's completely possible.
All it takes is the addition of some very special chemicals and the boiled egg will change form.
Researchers from the University of California, in the US, explain that every time an egg is boiled, the heat causes the proteins inside it to solidify.
To reverse this process, scientists developed a method that causes these proteins that have become solid inside boiled eggs to separate. The result?
The boiled chicken eggs the researchers used in their experiments turned from solid to liquid.
In addition to adding these chemicals, the chemists also used a vortex fluid device to force the egg's components to return to their original form.
"Yes, we have invented a way to 'unboil' a chicken egg. In our paper, we describe a device that separates the tangled proteins, allowing them to reassemble," said Gregory Weiss, professor of chemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.
In case anyone is wondering why scientists would bother developing this method, experts say their innovative method for molecular protein repair has the potential to transform the global biology industry forever.
It could benefit research into developing new cancer treatments and even food production.
