  We present a new tool for relating theory and experiment suited for
non-Gaussian theories: non-Gaussian spectra. It does for non-Gaussian theories
what the angular power spectrum $C_\ell$ does for Gaussian theories. We then
show how previous studies of cosmic strings have over rated their non-Gaussian
signature. More realistic maps are not visually stringy. However non-Gaussian
spectra will accuse their stringiness. We finally summarise the steps of an
undergoing experimental project aiming at searching for cosmic strings by means
of this technique.

Astrophysics