Metal screws have been used to reassemble broken bones for years, but the drawback is that they need to be replaced once the metal corrodes.

As an alternative, scientists at Harvard and Tufts are working on developing screws and plates using silk. The screws will be just as tough as metal, but also biodegradable which helps to promote more natural bone healing.

The only downside is that biodegradable screws require surgeons to first drill a hole and carve a thread into the bone before installing them, which is why they're only currently being used in pediatric reconstructive skull surgery. The hope is that these screws will soon be applicable in all sorts of orthopedic procedures.

[New Scientist]