How Bizarre Materials Science

Making artificial muscles with a spin

STRONG SPIRALS  Tightly twisting nylon sewing thread (various diameters shown) forms corkscrews that can work as artificial muscles.

Courtesy of Science/AAAS

By Meghan Rosen

- More than 2 years ago

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Scientists have given ordinary fishing line and sewing thread a new twist. When coiled into tight corkscrews, the fibers can lift loads more than 100 times as heavy as those hefted by human muscles.