Study: Spiders use their webs to hear
The Optimist Daily recently reported on how spiders use electricity to fly by hopping on electric fields for a ride. If you ask us, that’s pretty cool. Now we wanted to share a new study, from Binghamton University, that has revealed more intriguing secrets about these eight-legged Read More...
All about spiders and their silk, one of the most versatile substances on earth
In the latest issue of National Geographic, environmental writer Jason Bittel spins a wonderful article exploring spiderwebs, spiders, and all things arachnid. The intricate webs they build are items of wonder and beauty, but by using this wonderful silky, sticky, sometimes stinky substance, Read More...
Biomaterials breakthrough: scientists solve genetic riddle of spider glue
While the architectural intricacy of spider webs is with no doubt a remarkable natural phenomenon, spider silk – the gluey fiber that spiders use to make their webs – is what has been captivating scientists for many years. The sticky material has been touted for years as the next big thing Read More...
Scientists are gene-hacking bacteria to produce bullet-proof spider silk
Pound for pound, spider silk is much stronger than steel, and can be used in a variety of applications from bullet-proof clothing and biodegradable bottles to surgical thread and artificial tendons. The only problem is when you put enough spiders together to farm silk, they tend to eat each other. Read More...