While it isn't quite as impressive as creating a super powered suit with a box of scraps, a la Tony Stark, what scientists were able to produce using a fishing line and sewing thread could pave the way for incredible advancements in robotics and artificial limbs.

Scientists at the Nanotech Institute in Dallas have discovered a technique to create the most powerful muscle fibers the scientific community has seen yet, by utilizing high strength polymer fishing line and sewing thread. The muscles are said to be one hundred times stronger than human or animal sinew.

"The application opportunities for these polymer muscles are vast," said Dr. Ray Baughman, Director of the Nanotech Institute at UTD (University of Texas at Dallas). His team made the discovery after spending much time experimenting with far more expensive materials, such as carbon nanotubes. But not only was this a far more costly alternative to what they've uncovered now, the energy stored in those artificial muscles paled in comparison to these new hyper strong fibers. If you measured the strength of these muscles in horsepower, it would be comparable to the power of a jet engine. The fibers are also more durable and versatile than the previous incarnations, opening the door for a multitude of applications.

The technique used to create the muscles is remarkably simple. It involves twisting the thin fibers until it begins to coil, something the scientist label "twist insertion." This is likely something the average person has encountered themselves, just playing around with thread with wire. Once the fibers are coiled, they can be made to contract and expand with heat exposure.

Scientists have explored many possibilities given this new technology. From robots with more human like expressions, to exoskeletons for paralyzed patients, to textiles that react to temperature, i.e. "breathable clothing." Given the ease and affordability of producing these super muscles, it's likely that we will see real world applications very soon.