https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200630161551.htm > Magnets are widely used for computer memory because their "up" or "down" polarity -- the magnetic state -- can be "flipped" to write or encode data and store information. Magnetic memory is nonvolatile, so information can be stored on devices without refreshing. However, magnetic memory also requires a lot of energy. > A recently discovered magnetic state called the skyrmion, which is neither "up" nor "down" but flower-shaped, offers a solution. Manipulating the skyrmion state allows for much more efficient, robust data storage for conventional computers and wireless smart devices.