Jülich physicists have discovered a new magnetic interaction with the aid of computer simulations. The discovery is not only important for basic research in physics, but the scientists also expect it to be beneficial in technical innovations. As an example, the interaction could help create special nanoscale magnetic structures. The so-called hopfions should enable the realization of neuromorphic computers, which are able to perform calculations in a highly energy-efficient manner modelled on the human brain.