Fig. 2 (IMAGE) Osaka University Caption Average number of particles at distance r from the center of a particle. Data from different jammed states of various densities, obtained via combinations of compression and shear, follow a common universal curve. From the left panel, it can be seen that the average contact number of the various jammed states is 6, which implies they are just marginally stable. From the right panel, it can be seen that the distribution of the distances between adjacent particles, which are almost in contact with each other, follows a universal power law. Credit Osaka University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.