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 … [Read more...] about All about spiders and their silk, one of the most versatile substances on earth
Spider Silk
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 … [Read more...] about Biomaterials breakthrough: scientists solve genetic riddle of spider glue
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 … [Read more...] about Scientists are gene-hacking bacteria to produce bullet-proof spider silk
