The World’s Thinnest Spaghetti

Vocabulary

• Fascinating
• Electric charge
• Intended
• Scaffold
• Moisture

Article

Researchers at University College London have created a fascinating new type of spaghetti that is the thinnest in the world. This special pasta is about 200 times thinner than a single human hair. In fact, it is so incredibly thin that it cannot be seen with the naked eye or even under a microscope. The new spaghetti, which is called “nano-spaghetti,” measures just 372 nanometres wide, which is a millionth of a centimetre.

The scientists used a method called electro-spinning to create this unique pasta. In this process, an electric charge pushes a mix of flour and liquid through tiny holes, resulting in these extremely thin strands. Professor Gareth Williams mentioned that, while this spaghetti is impressive, it is not practical for cooking. It would overcook in less than a second, which makes it impossible to use in a meal.

Instead of being used in kitchens, the new spaghetti is intended for medical purposes. Dr Adam Clancy mentioned that it is still edible, but he speculated that it might be chewier than regular pasta. One interesting application of this nano-spaghetti is that it can be formed into a net. This net could serve as a scaffold to help regrow tissue or be made into bandages that promote healing. These special bandages would allow moisture to reach the skin while keeping bacteria out.

Besides medical uses, the researchers believe this thin spaghetti could also have other applications, such as in filtering systems and batteries. This exciting development shows how science can create new materials that may change medicine and technology in the future.

Summarize the article in your own words.

Speaking

• Have you heard of nano-spaghetti before?
• Do you think this kind of research is useful?
• Can you imagine any other kitchen items being used in medicine?
• Are you a fan of Italian cuisine?
• What is the best way to prepare pasta?

Writing

• There are many staple foods around the world: pasta, rice, corn, potatoes, beans, and so on. What staple food is the best and why?

Listening

• Describe what happened in this video. Do you ever break your pasta to cook it?