WASHINGTON, D.C. — Time crystal research is to get funding from the U.S. Department of Defense.

DoD agency DARPA announced it would be funding several projects at universities in January.

Regular crystals are made up of structured atoms in a shape. If touched, a crystal won't break apart. The structure remains rigid, even when moved. It generally maintains its shape.

Time crystals also feature an atomic structure, except these aren't solid. The structure is constantly moving, repeating it through time. Researchers say these the world's first non-equilibrium matter, reports the Daily Mail, or more simply, a matter where forces are not balanced.

According to Gizmodo, the research is classified but may have applications in atomic clocks and also, potentially, quantum computing.