Fury at what was seen as an expansion of state power breathed life into a new movement - the Tea Party - which became President Obama's nemesis.

BBC: Scotus v Potus

But a new breed of life-saving robot is being developed that take their shape and movement from those limbless reptiles, and, it is hoped, will prove invaluable not only in search and rescue operations but also be a great asset to human surgery.

CNN: Snake robots slither to the rescue