The technique of transmitting light along glass or plastic fibres is known as fibre optics. It can be used for applications as diverse as exploratory surgery and animated billboards. In more familiar realms, we will soon see fibre optics appearing in the car, with lighting generated at a single source and relayed through the entire lighting system - headlights, rear lights, interior lights, and so on. Not only will this make maintenance easier, it will also save space.