You see a circular web glowing in the sunlight. A golden orb weaving spider has woven another masterpiece. You accidentally walk through it. The strands break and feel sticky. For a horsefly, though, the web is strong enough to stop it. Even when it is flying 90 mph. The spider uses its web to catch flies and other insects.
Scientists have been fascinated by the strength of spider silk. Some types of spider silk are five times stronger than steel. Some types are also stronger than Kevlar®. Kevlar® is used to make bulletproof vests. Why is the silk so strong? When a spider weaves its web, it stretches each strand of silk. This helps increase the number of bonds between proteins. This makes the silk stronger. Scientists are researching the use of spider silk for many purposes. Could it be used to make rope, surgical thread, and artificial tendons or ligaments? There is one problem with the development of these materials. It is difficult to obtain large amounts of spider silk quickly. So, scientists are learning more about how spider silk gets its properties. This will help them mimic the qualities when making synthetic (made by humans through chemical processes to mimic something made in nature) thread. Fake spider webs may be used as spooky decorations in the fall. But one day, spider silk may be used to make clothes and shoes. Or, to help build new bone after a fracture.
What Can You Do? Would you wear a shirt made of spider silk?
Photo Credit: Edwin Remsberg/Alamy Stock Photo
