Scientists unravel mystery of the loose shoelace

Researchers discover how laces come undone and offer alternative way to tie them that does knot involve your granny

Things can start to unravel at any moment, but when failure occurs it is swift and catastrophic. This is the conclusion of a scientific investigation into what might be described as Sod's law of shoelaces.

The study focused on the mysterious phenomenon by which a shoe is neatly and securely tied one moment, and the next a flapping lace is threatening to trip you up - possibly as you are running for the bus or striding with professional purpose across your open-plan office.