Knitting while Australia burns

Quantum Knitting

We analyze the connections between the mathematical theory of knots and quantum physics by addressing a number of algorithmic questions related to both knots and braid groups. Knots can be distinguished by means of ‘knot invariants’, among which the Jones polynomial plays a prominent role, since it can be associated with observables in topological quantum field theory. Although the problem of c...

Accidental scrotal burns from paraquat while handling a patient.

The main risk of paraquat poisoning is from deliberate ingestion. Serious accidental or occupational poisoning is comparatively rare. We report two patients who had accidental exposure to paraquat, resulting in scrotal burns in both and systemic poisoning in one, while attending to a patient who had ingested paraquat for deliberate self harm.

Constructive Knitting for Children

Knitting a 3D Model

A knitted animal is made of a closed surface consisting of several knitted patches knitted out of yarn and stuffed with cotton (Fig. 1). We introduce a system to create a knitting pattern from a given 3D surface model (mainly designed for rotund animal models). A knitting pattern is an instructional diagram describing how to knit yarn to obtain a desired shape. Since the creation of knitting pa...

Knitting and weaving artificial muscles

A need exists for artificial muscles that are silent, soft, and compliant, with performance characteristics similar to those of skeletal muscle, enabling natural interaction of assistive devices with humans. By combining one of humankind's oldest technologies, textile processing, with electroactive polymers, we demonstrate here the feasibility of wearable, soft artificial muscles made by weavin...