Folding

One of the challenges of laparoscopic surgery lies in getting surgical instruments into the patient's body via a narrow catheter. Scientists have set about addressing that problem, with magnetic instruments that pop into and out of shape as needed.

When plants perform movements such as curling their leaves, they do so by drawing water into the cellulose fibers in that part of their "body." Scientists have now replicated that technique to produce self-folding paper structures.

Exercise bikes may offer a great form of exercise, but the things can get in the way. The Breakaway Bike is designed with that in mind, as it folds down into a package that's about the size of a carry-on bag.

Although there are many insects with wings that fold down beneath covers when not in use, the earwig's wings fold the most compactly. Scientists have now copied that folding mechanism, with an eye towards using it in human technology.

​​Imagine if things like satellite antennas could fold down small when not in use, but then unfurl into a rigid structure as needed. Well, that's just what ladybug wings do. In order to find out how they do so, scientists recently replaced a ladybug's real wing cover with one that's transparent.​

According to the World Health Organization, there were approximately 207 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2012, 627,000 of which proved fatal. Manu Prakash hopes to lower those numbers, using his disposable folding paper microscope.

DARPA has announced plans to use a foldable plastic lens to “break the glass ceiling” of space telescopes. As part of the Membrane Optical Imager for Real-Time Exploitation (MOIRE) program, it aims to replace conventional glass optics with lightweight polymer membranes.