1. An articulating mechanism capable of transmitting torque for remote manipulation of a surgical or diagnostic tool comprising: at least one pair of links, each link being maintained in a spaced-apart relationship relative to the other link of the pair, at least two adjacent links and a bushing disposed between the adjacent links, wherein at least one said adjacent link includes either an i) socket or ii) torque-conferring protrusion, at least a portion of which has a non-circular latitudinal circumference, and wherein the bushing facing includes either a i) torque-conferring protrusion, at least a portion of which has a non-circular latitudinal circumference or ii) socket, the torque-conferring protrusion or socket of the bushing engaging the socket or torque-conferring protrusion of the link, thereby providing for torque transmission between the links while allowing for pivoting movement of the first adjacent link relative to the second adjacent link; and at least one set of cables, each set connecting the links of a discrete pair to one another such that movement of one link of a pair causes corresponding relative movement of the other link of the pair.