TAIWAN.- Who would ever think that onions, that stinky and much hated vegetable would some day become of great use in medical science? Apparently it isn't only to add seasoning to our meals or to make us cry. Putting aside its properties and nutrients, onions have great potential when it comes to biomedical technology.

As described by a science group from the University of Taiwan, when cutting open an onion, they managed to develop artificial muscle tissue. This could be very useful for those who suffer some type of paralysis.

Up until now, there aren't any artificial muscles that can imitate the functions of a real one. The only hope (for now) relays on these onions' structure and cells, this being the basis of the new creation.

"The main purpose of this project is to develop a microstructure inside artificial muscles that will increase its ability to contract or stretch. One day, we discovered that this vegetable's structure and cells are similar to the one we need," mentioned the leader of the investigation, Wen-Pin Shih.

The muscle is created with an onion's skin cells, which were previously treated to eliminate stiffness and biological components. Lastly, it's covered with a golden plate that will function as a supporter and operator in order for the muscle to move as if it were real.

Source: Código Spaguetti, Appiled Physic Letters

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