In recent years, paper folding has emerged as a major art form. Influenced by the pioneering Japanese master Akira Yoshizawa, origamists are now creating increasingly complex and beautiful designs from the humble sheet of paper. As well as Su Blackwell, artists such as Yulia Brodskaya, Bert Simons, Jen Stark and Brian Dettmer are taking the art form to new levels of creativity. Do a quick internet search on any of these names and you'll be amazed. Scientists are also researching origami, with some combining the practice with computer technology to test the limits of what conceivably can be manipulated from paper. One of these experts, the Massachusetts Institute of Technlology professor Erik Demaine, recently visited the UAE to host a lecture on the subject. He has discovered that, theoretically, one can use origami to fold any imaginable shape as long as it has flat sides. It also has practical engineering devices such as folding airbags in steering wheels to deploy quickly in case of an emergency. "We can use it to fold airbags, smaller, but also more safely. So you could say origami can save lives," Demaine says. Follow us Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thenationalArtsandLife">Facebook</a> for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.