Adhesives are essential in electronics, vehicles and other products, but they can hinder repair and recycling when bonded parts are difficult to separate cleanly. A research team led by The University of Osaka has developed a prototype light-responsive adhesive that can be selectively detached from an illuminated surface without leaving observable residue. The adhesive film can then be rebonded by heating and reused after a second ultraviolet wavelength helps reset its molecular interactions.