American scientists are looking at the unique properties of cucumber tendrils. The plants form such refined tendrils, which may be regarded as an example of a new kind of technical tendril. The offshoots of cucumbers work differently from normal special tendrils, because with strong pulling they do not become longer, but become smaller in a spiral form. The secret is in the firmness of the tendril cells, according to the researchers.
After a number of calculation models and laboratory experiments the researchers could build a copy tendril, which works in the same unexpected manner. The underlying idea was to understand the organic physical trick of nature, as announced in trade journal 'Science'. But in the meantime, however, the development of a new kind of spiral tendril is possible, which under light traction is slack and strengthens to firm under strong traction.