Shapeshifting memory plastic

Scientists have invented a plastic memory material that can change into three different shapes based on heat. Researchers demonstrated a plastic tube with three "programmed" diameters (4.5 mm, 6.9 mm, 5.8 mm) that are selected by altering the temperature.

The researchers propose applications in the medical domain: "a handy oval shape for insertion, then a fully inflated round shape for temporary use inside a blood vessel, duct or other cylindrical organ, and lastly, a compressed cylindrical shape for easy removal."

All good.. but I want my dynamic furniture! Could this be an enabling technology?

via: boingboing.