In the water, the small beads create no swirling effect, allowing the drawn patterns to stay in place.

Writing is a time-honored cultural practice that traces its origins to ancient times when our ancestors inscribed signs and symbols onto stone slabs. As a result, writing on any solid object has long been common practice.

But if you’ve ever tried writing in water or other liquid substances, you may have found it rather difficult. A new study reveals that might change with the use of a specialized technique.