Researchers paid only $5 for the same amount of polyethylene fishing line or nylon fiber. Old Materials, New Technology "The ultimate goal is to make textiles that [result in] comfort-adjusting ...

New technologies emerge as researchers find ways to produce artificial muscles from polymers. From artificial limbs to robots to temperature-controlled clothing, the range of possible uses is vast.

First, you need some fiber. Any nylon monofilament line can work, but something in the 2-20 pound test range is good starting material. Next, you’ll need something to twist your fiber. For thin, ...

Using a combination of ordinary nylon thread and conductive ink, MIT scientists have created artificial muscles that can perform many of the motions found in natural muscle tissue. The researchers ...

The golden orb-weaver spider from Tanzania spins such strong webs that Tanzanian fishermen use them for fishing. Their spider silk is more tear-resistant than nylon and four times more elastic ...

Discarded fishing gear is a big problem; it pollutes the environment as the trash sits on beaches and sinks to the sea floor, and nylon nets can take centuries to decompose.

Last month, Norway-based Nofir collected 24 tons of discarded fishing nets from Antarctica’s oceans. After the nets are dismantled and cleaned, Nofir sends them off to Italy-based Aquafil to be ...