Tiny muscles pull a big punch

Coated carbon nanotubes form the basis of smart new material

Beefing up some muscles doesn’t take steroids or exercise — paraffin wax will do. Incorporating wax into artificial muscles spun from carbon nanotubes gives them superior flexing power, a discovery that could lead to smart materials such as fabrics that respond to environmental changes.

KNIT ME A MUSCLE Coating a yarn spun from carbon nanotubes with wax (scanning electron microscope image shown) or other materials that expand upon exposure to heat or a different stimulus creates tiny, lightweight, exceedingly strong muscles.