AP Photo

Carbon nanotubes twisted with paraffin wax have been used to mimic the natural movement of muscles, with potential uses in everything from ‘intelligent’ clothing to robotics.

The international team of scientists behind the research first published results last year, when they used carbon nanotubes twisted into ‘threads’ dipped in an electrolyte solution (saltwater) and given charge to stimulate the same rotational movement and stretching and contraction of muscles.