DNA-inspired 'supercoiling' fibres could make powerful artificial muscles for robots

By Geoff Spinks, Senior Professor, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong

The double helix of DNA is one of the most iconic symbols in science. By imitating the structure of this complex genetic molecule we have found a way to make artificial muscle fibres far more powerful than those found in nature, with potential applications in many kinds of miniature machinery such as prosthetic hands and dextrous robotic devices.

The power of the helix

DNA is not the only helix in nature. Flip through any biology textbook and you’ll see helices everywhere from…

Read complete article

~	Mali: Political parties call for presidential elections to end military transition

~	What doesn’t kill you makes for a great story – two new memoirs examine the risky side of life

~	Elon Musk says ‘disc replacement’ worked for him. But evidence this surgery helps chronic pain is lacking

~	Angola: Proposed Security Law Threatens Rights

~	Many Australians face losing their homes right now. Here’s how the government should help

~	Vastly bigger than the Black Summer: 84 million hectares of northern Australia burned in 2023

~	We’re only using a fraction of health workers’ skills. This needs to change

~	Curious Kids: who makes the words? Who decides what things like ‘trees’ and ‘shoes’ are called?

~	Ecosystems are deeply interconnected – environmental research, policy and management should be too

~	Robert Adamson’s final book is a search for recognition and a poetic tribute to his love of nature