Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomer Optical Fiber Actuator for In Vivo Endoscopic Navigation and Laser Ablation Therapy.

Summary: Doctors use tiny, flexible tubes called endoscopes to look inside the body and treat diseases. Sometimes, they need to bend and steer these tubes using light. However, the materials traditionally used to do this get extremely hot—over 175°F—which can dangerously burn the inside of the body.

Now, scientists have invented a brilliant new material that is completely safe. It bends and moves at normal body temperature and also works perfectly as a fiber-optic cable to carry light. This means doctors can safely guide the tube deep inside the body and use lasers to gently zap away bad tissue without harming the healthy parts around it!