Polymeric materials that convert local fleeting signals into global macroscopic responses

We report a general design strategy for creating polymeric materials that are capable of providing global, macroscopic changes in their properties in response to specific local and fleeting stimuli. In a proof-of-concept demonstration, a single polymer is used, yet it enables selective responses to specific stimuli, and then internally drives a macroscopic change in the material (even in locations not exposed to the stimulus), where the magnitude of change is independent of the intensity of the applied stimulus.