Dive summary:

• Researchers at labs in South Korea say they have developed a coating that can be applied to concrete and carries repair material that is activated by the very process of cracking, making the concrete apply its own patch.
• The coating contains a patching material in micro-capsules that are broken open when the concrete beneath them cracks and that then is activated and cured by sun shining on the concrete.
• The scientists said they were trying to find a way to treat concrete like metals, for which coatings already are available to repair some damage.

From the article:

Chan-Moon Chung and colleagues explain that protecting concrete roads, bridges and other structures from developing tiny cracks has been a major technological challenge. ...