[artificial muscle fibers can be used as cell scaffolds to develop 3D models of human activity systems] in two new studies, researchers at North Carolina State University in the United States designed and tested a series of textile fibers that change shape and produce strength like muscle. In a study published in the new issue of Actuator, the researchers focused on the effects of the material on artificial muscle strength and contraction length. These findings could help researchers tailor fibers for different applications. In another proof-of-concept study published in Bionics, the researchers tested the fiber as a living cell scaffold. The study found that the fiber, known as a fiber robot, can be used to develop 3D models of human activity systems.