Silk
Articles tagged with Silk
Scientists uncover the molecular marvel behind spider silk’s super powers
Researchers at King's College London and San Diego State University identified the molecular interactions that give spider silk its exceptional strength and flexibility. The findings provide general design principles for developing high-performance, sustainable fibers.
Will the vegetables of the future be fortified using tiny needles?
MIT researchers have developed a way to produce large amounts of silk microneedles to deliver agrochemicals and nutrients to plants, showing promising results in treating chlorosis and adding vitamin B12 to tomato plants. The technology has the potential to serve as a new kind of plant interface for real-time health monitoring and biof...
Making magnetic biomaterials
Researchers create silk iron microparticles that can be guided using a magnet to deliver drugs and treatments precisely to sites in the body. The development has potential applications in regenerative medicine, cancer therapies, and cardiovascular disease treatment.
Stretching spider silk makes it stronger
Researchers discovered that aligning protein chains and increasing hydrogen bonds through stretching make spider silk stronger, tougher, and more elastic. The study aims to design engineered silk-inspired proteins for strong, biodegradable materials like sutures and body armor.
The secret to robust and reversible underwater adhesion: The answer lies in epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain
A POSTECH research team found that EGF/EGF-like domains interact with GlcNAc-based biopolymers to achieve strong underwater adhesion without oxidation, leading to durable and reversible bonds.
Slingshot spiders listen to fire off ballistic webs when they hear mosquitoes within range
Researchers found that slingshot spiders can listen for approaching insects before releasing their web to catapult forward and capture prey. The spiders use sound-sensitive hairs on their legs to detect the vibrations from the insects' wings, allowing them to deploy their webs in mid-air.
SMART researchers pioneer method to detect dehydration in plants
A new COF sensor can detect pH changes in plant xylem tissues, providing early warning of drought stress up to 48 hours before traditional methods. This technology enables timely detection and management of drought stress, optimizing crop production and yield.
Researchers make pivotal discovery that will guide the future design of water-responsive materials
A team of scientists has developed a novel method to explain the behavior of water-responsive materials, which can change shape in response to humidity fluctuations. This breakthrough could advance efforts toward clean energy production, robotics, and bioelectronics.
Inspired by Spider-Man, a lab recreates web-slinging technology
Researchers at Tufts University develop a web-slinging technology that shoots fibers from a needle, solidifies into a string, and adheres to objects. The innovation uses silk fibroin solution with added dopamine and chitosan to increase tensile strength and adhesiveness.
Mexican jumping beans jump to safety in a dynamic world, new research reveals
New research from Binghamton University reveals that Mexican jumping bean larvae respond differently to various lighting conditions, with red light stimulating the most vigorous jumps. However, damage to their 'bean' hosts hinders their ability to jump away from stressors.
Spinning out a new biomaterials startup is harder than you think
Researchers found significant challenges in spider silk production, including scale-up issues and toxicity concerns. The study highlights potential host organisms for producing spider silk, such as microbes and bacteria, to address these challenges.
Spinning artificial spider silk into next-generation medical materials
Researchers create a new type of artificial spider silk by modifying protein sequences to produce a strong, yet stable material. The resulting silk is woven into bandages that boost wound healing in mice with osteoarthritis and diabetic skin lesions.
Flexible circuits made with silk and graphene on the horizon
Researchers at PNNL create a uniform two-dimensional layer of silk protein fragments on graphene, enabling the design and fabrication of silk-based electronics. This biocompatible system has potential applications in wearable and implantable health sensors, as well as computing neural networks.
New filtration material could remove long-lasting chemicals from water
A new filtration material developed by MIT researchers uses natural silk and cellulose to remove persistent chemicals, including PFAS and heavy metals. The material's antimicrobial properties help keep filters clean, providing a nature-based solution to water contamination.
How do butterflies stick to branches during metamorphosis?
Researchers found that butterflies spin unique silk structures, including hook-and-loop fasteners and multi-strand safety tethers, to secure their chrysalises to branches. Despite being thinner and weaker than silkworm silk, these structures provide a stable anchor for the butterfly's transformation.
Spider silk sound system #ASA186
Researchers found spider webs match acoustic particle velocity for wide range of sound frequencies. Spider silk responds to air particles in a sound field, not just sound pressure, and may inspire new microphone designs.
This sound-suppressing silk can create quiet spaces
A team of researchers from MIT created a lightweight, compact, and efficient mechanism to reduce noise transmission using a sound-suppressing silk fabric. The fabric uses vibrations to cancel out unwanted sounds in two different ways, one for small spaces and another for larger areas like rooms or cars.
Look out Spider-Man: Naturalistic silk spun from artificial spider gland
Researchers at RIKEN successfully spin artificial spider silk that closely matches natural production, mimicking the complex molecular structure of silk. The eco-friendly innovation has potential benefits for environment and biomedical fields.
Spider silk is spun by silkworms for the first time, offering a green alternative to synthetic fibers
Researchers successfully produce full-length spider silk proteins using genetically modified silkworms, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic commercial fibers. The production of spider silk fibers is six times tougher than Kevlar used in bulletproof vests.
All-in-one device for hemorrhage control
A new device combines rapid hemorrhage management, infection control, and sensing capabilities for long-term monitoring. The device features a tunable biodegradation rate and can detect bleeding in real-time using a nanowire-based capacitive sensor.
New details about the strongest spider silk in the world
Scientists have studied the internal parts of spider silk using an optical microscope without cutting it open. The analysis revealed that the fiber consists of at least two outer layers of lipids and numerous fibrils running in a straight, tightly packed arrangement. Understanding how to create such strong fibers is crucial for produci...
Study points out errors in illustrations of one of the most famous scientific experiments
A study by researcher Breno Arsioli Moura investigated the depictions of Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment in illustrations published in the 19th century. The study found several inaccuracies, including the incorrect location where the experiment was performed and the method used to harness electricity from the clouds.
Synthetic biology meets fashion in engineered silk
Scientists have created a method to produce synthetic spider silk with eightfold higher yields than previous methods, making it a promising material for sustainable clothing production. The new silk fibers retain the desirable properties of enhanced strength and toughness while being lightweight.
Orb weaver spider glue properties evolve faster than their glue genes, scientists find
Researchers found that orb weaver spiders' glue proteins differ in proportion between dry and humid environments, enabling rapid adaptation to local conditions. The study sheds light on the evolution of biological glues and their potential applications in industry and medicine.
Riluzole and Sorafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors: a Phase I trial
Researchers found a partial response in a patient with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, as well as stable disease in 11 patients, when combining riluzole with sorafenib in a phase I trial. The combination was safe and tolerable, and further exploration of its potential is warranted.
Silk confirmed as a promising material for repair of injured nerves
Researchers used silk from silkworms and spiders to create nerve conduits that successfully repaired severed nerves in animal models. The study found that the porous walls of silkworm silk tubes allowed for nutrient exchange, while spider silk threads served as a guiding structure for regenerating tissue.
Tackling counterfeit seeds with “unclonable” labels
A team of MIT researchers has created an 'unclonable' label system to combat counterfeit seeds in Africa, where fake seeds can cost farmers up to two-thirds of expected crop yields. The system uses biodegradable silk-based tags with unique codes that cannot be replicated.
[Press Release] SMART researchers develop the world's first microneedle-based drug delivery technique for plants
Researchers have developed a microneedle-based drug delivery technique for plants, which can precisely deliver controlled amounts of agrochemicals to specific plant tissues. This method has the potential to improve crop quality and disease management while minimizing resource wastage and environmental contamination.
Easy way to spin nanofibers, inspired by silkworms (video)
Researchers mimicked silkworms' head bobbing to create consistent micro- and nanofibers with minimal equipment. The new method produces uniform filaments and doesn't produce clumpy fibers.
Re-spun silkworm silk is 70% stronger than spider silk
Scientists at Tianjin University have discovered a way to make silkworm silk 70% stronger than spider silk by removing its sticky outer layer and manually spinning it. This breakthrough could lead to the production of profitable high-performance artificial silks, revolutionizing industries such as biomedicine and tissue regeneration.
Scientists sequenced the world's largest pangenome to help unlock genetic mysteries behind finer silk
This study reveals genetic insights into artificial selection and ecological adaptation in silkworms, identifying 468 domestication-associated genes and 198 improvement-associated genes. The pangenome dataset also sheds light on the origins of domesticated silkworms and their economic traits.
Scientists use modified silk proteins to create new nonstick surfaces
Researchers at Tufts University have created silk-based materials with exceptional water-repelling properties, surpassing those of current nonstick coatings. The modified silk can be molded into various shapes and forms, making it suitable for a wide range of consumer products and medical applications.
Scientists develop gel made from spider silk proteins for biomedical applications
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to create a three-dimensional gel from spider silk proteins that can be designed to deliver functional proteins. The gel has the potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine, enabling controlled drug release and tissue engineering applications.
Researchers create biosensor by turning spider silk into optical fiber
A new light-based sensor harnesses the light-guiding properties of spider silk to detect and measure small changes in the refractive index of a biological solution, including glucose and other types of sugar solutions. The sensor is practical, compact, biocompatible, cost-effective, and highly sensitive.
Silk offers an alternative to some microplastics
Researchers at MIT develop a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics added to agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics. The new material is made from widely available and less expensive silk protein, which can be dissolved using a scalable water-based process.
Spider silk properties analyzed for use as bio-based fibers in the medical field
Researchers investigated the cell adhesion behavior on spider silk fibers, films, and nanofibers. The study found that native spider silk exhibits superior properties for medical use, preventing blood clots and enduring repetitive loading and unloading.
An edible QR code takes a shot at fake whiskey
Researchers at Purdue University have developed edible fluorescent silk tags with QR codes to verify whiskey authenticity, which can be activated with a smartphone scan. The technology has the potential to combat fake medications and address counterfeiting issues worldwide.
Repairing tendons with silk proteins
A team from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation has created a method to repair tendons using silk fibroin scaffolds, which showed improved healing and regeneration of injured tendons. The scaffold combines silk fibroin with GelMA to promote cell attachment, growth, and differentiation.
Edible, fluorescent silk tags can suss out fake medications
Researchers created edible tags with fluorescent silk proteins to track medications, providing a new way for consumers to verify authenticity. The codes are readable by a smartphone app and can be ingested without causing harm.
New study shows spiders use webs to extend their hearing
Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that orb-weaving spiders use their webs as extended auditory arrays to capture sounds, allowing them to detect prey and predators. The study found that the spiders can respond to sound levels as low as 68 decibels and localize sound sources with 100% accuracy.
Joro spiders likely to spread beyond Georgia
New research suggests Joro spiders could colonize the entire East Coast of the US due to their ability to withstand cold temperatures. The spiders' fast metabolism and high heart rate also contribute to their potential spread.
Healing nerves on spider silk
Researchers have produced double-sided spider silk fibers that can attract nerve cells and stimulate their growth. The fibers were created using a biotechnological approach and modified with different proteins to make one side more attractive to cells, while the other side could be used to attach factors or substances.
WVU researchers determine nutritional properties of protein in cricket, locust and silkworm pupae insect powders
The study's findings provide a foundation for developing efficient protein isolation techniques from insect powders, which could help address global hunger and malnutrition issues. Insect-based protein sources are rich in essential amino acids and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional farming methods.
Sustainable silk material for biomedical, optical, food supply applications
Silk's unique properties make it a promising material for biomedical devices, wearable sensors, and optics. The researchers aim to harness its versatility for future technologies, including reducing food waste.
Spider silk’s supposed "healing properties" might have no basis in science
Researchers tested spider silk from seven species and found no signs of antimicrobial activity, casting doubt on previous reports. The team attributed methodological shortcomings to compromised studies, suggesting that the silk may serve as a physical barrier rather than an intrinsic antimicrobial agent.
Microbially produced fibers: Stronger than steel, tougher than Kevlar
A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has developed artificially designed, amyloid-silk hybrid protein produced in engineered bacteria that surpasses the strength and toughness of natural spider silks, as well as steel and Kevlar.
'Vegan spider silk' provides sustainable alternative to single-use plastics
Researchers created a plant-based, sustainable material that mimics spider silk for single-use plastic replacements. The new material is strong like many common plastics and can be made at an industrial scale.
Researchers create leather-like material from silk proteins
Tufts University researchers develop a silk-based leather material with similar texture and flexibility to real leather, using sustainable sources and environmentally friendly chemical processes. The material can be printed into various patterns and textures and is biodegradable.
Silk moth's diapause reverts back to ancestors' through gene editing!?
Researchers at Shinshu University have successfully edited the silk moth's temperature sensor to induce dormancy based on day length, similar to its ancestral species. This breakthrough sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind environmental adaptation in insects and has significant implications for the sericulture industry.
Making music from spider webs
Researchers create harp-like instrument to play spider web music, revealing structural features through sound and vision. The team explores potential uses for spider-mimicking 3D printers and developing a language with spiders.
Researchers use silkworm silk to model muscle tissue
USU researchers developed a three-dimensional cell culture surface using silkworm silk to grow skeletal muscle cells, outperforming traditional methods. Cells grown on silkworm silk showed increased mechanical flexibility and proper muscle fiber alignment, mimicking human skeletal muscle more closely.
Changing the silkworm's diet to spin stronger silk
Tohoku University researchers created stronger silk by mixing cellulose nanofiber into the silkworms' diet, resulting in a 2.0 times increase in strength compared to non-CNF fed silkworms. This innovative approach uses environmentally friendly materials and shows promise for producing sustainable biomaterials.
Megadroughts in arid central Asia delayed the cultural exchange along the proto-Silk Road
A team of paleoclimatologists found that a prolonged megadrought in Arid Central Asia hindered human movement and reduced overland travel between eastern and western Central Asia. This climate shift, lasting 640 years from 5820-5180 BP, isolated agricultural regions and delayed cultural exchange along the proto-Silk Road.
New nanobiomaterial from the silk of a mite with 'promising biomedical properties'
Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial from the silk of the Tetranychus lintearius mite, which has promising biomedical properties. The material is biocompatible, biodegradable, and able to penetrate human cells without damage, making it ideal for use in pharmacology and biomedicine.
Rivers' role in history of Central Asia
A study challenges the notion that Mongol invasions led to the demise of medieval riverine civilizations in Central Asia. Decreasing river flow was equally important for their decline as climate change and abandonment of irrigation systems were.
Development of the first biohybrid artificial retina built with silk fibroin and retinal cells.
Researchers created a biohybrid artificial retina with silk fibroin and retinal cells, which can adhere to the eye's surface and facilitate integration. The new technology holds promise for treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), an incurable disease affecting over 196 million people worldwide.
How does the spider spin its self-assembled silk?
Scientists at Kyoto University have discovered a new method for producing artificial spider silk by combining acidification and liquid-liquid phase separation. This breakthrough could lead to the development of sustainable, high-strength fibers with potential applications in manufacturing.
Silk road contains genomic resources for improving apples
Researchers assembled full genomes for domesticated apple and two wild progenitors, giving breeders detailed information to improve crop traits. The study provides a detailed genomic roadmap for building better apples with improved flavor, texture and disease resistance.
Evidence of mounted horseback riding in ancient China
Researchers found evidence of mounted horseback riding in ancient China, with signs of chronic use of saddles and metal bits on horse skeletons. The discovery suggests that the region played a crucial role in spreading equestrianism to early Chinese civilizations.