Spider silk is the holy grail of biomaterials. It’s amazingly tough and lightweight, and can be used in everything from violin strings to electronics. Unfortunately, spiders cannot produce enough of it for it to be commercially viable, which is why researchers have created a prototype process that mimics the natural spinning process of spiders. The process works by breeding an artificial spider silk protein in bacteria that can then be bred to produce industrial quantities of web material. Then, using a spinning apparatus, the researchers can then create kilometer-long strands of silk. The process has already been successfully tested, and could be used for manufacturing in the near future.
Researchers successfully produce large quantities of synthetic spider silk
More of Today's Solutions
Illinois found a smarter way to close the menopause care gap
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton set up a series of financial wellness conversations with women around the state. ...
Read MoreUsing eucalyptus oil to repel household pests: what the experts say
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM You might already have eucalyptus oil at home, maybe for the diffuser or a bundle you hang in ...
Read MoreGut health for guys—should men take probiotics?
Have you heard of probiotics? Chances are you have a basic understanding that they are good for your gut health—but do they have any ...
Read MoreResearchers discover more than 200 freshwater fish species
There always seems to be a lot more talk surrounding species that we have lost to human habitat encroachment, over-hunting, and the ripple effects ...
Read More
