Water is essential to life, to our health, and the stability of our world. Yet a complete scientific description the material itself eludes us. New research on a peculiar phenomenon known as the floating water bridge – a self-suspending rope of liquid water held in place by an electric field – has revealed that in the liquid there is more going on than meets the eye. Liquid water excited by an electric field exhibits enhanced cooperation between water molecules. In this new state protons move more quickly through water than expected and the physical properties of the liquid are altered. These findings not only shed light on the mysteries of water but also reveal that the electric fields present in living cells may play an active role in modifying the behavior of water to support life.