Nanotube Muscles Are Strong As Steel, Light As Air

Al writes "Scientists from the University of Texas at Dallas have created nanotube-based artificial muscles that are light as air and work even under extreme temperatures. The 'muscles' expand width-wise by about 200 percent when a voltage is applied, but are stronger than steel lengthwise. The nanotubes within the fiber naturally stick together. Applying a voltage makes them obtain a charge and repel one another. The researchers created them by stretching bundles of entangled carbon nanotubes into long threads. Several cool videos show the strange stuff in action. Some experts, including one from NASA, believe that the nanotube muscles' ability to withstand extreme heat and cold could make them suitable shape-shifting materials for future space missions."

Comments

One step closer to "The Terminator" . . .

[PolygamousRanchKid]

. . . why can't these scientists just devote their work to curing the common cold or the flu?

Although, their work seems to be pretty fun and cool, so who am I to complain?