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Springy Nanotubes Could Make Artificial Muscles

Posted by kdawson on from the strong-like-bull dept.

moon_monkey writes "Scientists have discovered that carbon nanotubes have remarkable springy properties, which could make them ideal for use in artificial muscles. Currently, electroactive polymers are most commonly used to make artificial muscles, but these lack mechanical robustness. Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute tested the nanotubes by repeatedly squashing them between metal plates. The work is reported in Nature Nanotechnology."

6 of 70 comments (clear)

  1. Grow muscle? by Don_dumb · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Is there any reason why we can't just grow new muscle fibres outside of the destination body and use those instead of finding a more artifical replacement or do these nano-tubes have an advatange over our tissues?
    Forgive my noobness on tissue replacement but I was under the impression that we were on the verge of 'test-tube organs' and if that is the case why not artificially grown muscle tissue?

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    If this were really happening, what would you think?
    1. Re:Grow muscle? by iktos · · Score: 5, Insightful

      What "destination body"? This is for machines.

    2. Re:Grow muscle? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

      There are a few reasons. One is the fact that American researchers still have a hard time doing proper stem cell work, so creating new organs is not such a great line of study. Another is potential rejection of foreign tissue.

      A third is the fact that the people working on this are not in the field of direct tissue engineering (yeah, I am at RPI typing this, I am down the hall from a bunch of the people who wrote the paper). They are mostly Materials Engineers, they are working within their area of study.

      Actually, I think I saw them running the test... Not quite as exciting in person, you need some imagination to turn their research into artificial muscles. That being said, it does have some nice properties that I can see aiding in such an endeavor.

  2. Insert joke here by CrazyJim1 · · Score: 4, Funny

    A Nano-Tube article right next to a Ted Steven's article.

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    God spoke to me.
  3. Why are we working for Artificial Muscles? by Pionus · · Score: 4, Funny

    People who would need Artificial Muscles are a small minority. We need to improve the lives of the majority people. Imagine the joy that a enhanced nanotube superball or silly putty could bring to the world!

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    It's a type of Parrot you dolt :P.
  4. Re:springy properties.. by Icarus1919 · · Score: 4, Funny

    If your erections are remarkably springy, I strongly advise you to stop posting and go see a doctor. You two have a lot to discuss.