Articles tagged with Silk
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have discovered a unique type of silk produced by the Australian basket-web spider, which is rigid and robust. The study suggests that this silk could be used to create a new genetic material with potential applications.
A new silk-based wound dressing infused with nanodiamonds can detect early signs of infection, promote healing and reduce infection from certain bacteria. The technology offers a non-invasive solution to traditional wound management challenges.
Osaka University researchers have developed a method to enhance the structural integrity of 3D-printed hydrogels containing cells using silk nanofibers. The fibers improve the mechanical properties of the bioink, allowing for more realistic organ printing and reducing cell damage.
Researchers examine textiles from Danish King Canute's and his brother Benedikt's shrines, concluding they are of the same age and match historical accounts. The textiles, originally meant for Benedikt, were likely moved to Canute's shrine after its enshrinement.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that silk face masks are comfortable, breathable, and can help ward off airborne viruses like COVID-19. The fabric's natural copper content provides additional antimicrobial benefits, making it a promising alternative to traditional face coverings.
A new species of spider, Ocrepeira klamt, has been discovered by a University of Bayreuth researcher in the highlands of Colombia. The spider differs from related species in its reproductive organs and is native to an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea-level.
Researchers at MIT have developed a Velcro-like food sensor that uses an array of silk microneedles to detect spoilage and bacterial contamination. The sensor, made from edible proteins and bioinks, changes color when it senses contaminants like E. coli or pH levels associated with spoilage.
Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have developed new biomaterials based on spider silk proteins that prevent colonization by bacteria and fungi, while also aiding human tissue regeneration. These nanostructured materials are ideal for implants, wound dressings, and other medical devices.
Researchers at Georgia Tech study slingshot spider's ability to store energy in its web, achieving acceleration of 1,300 m/s2 and forces of over 130 Gs. The spider uses a latch mechanism to release the web and launch itself towards prey.
Scientists develop versatile materials by mixing silk fabric with synthetic polymers, offering improved properties for human body tissues. The composites show hardness and stiffness compatible with bone, making them potentially more resilient yet comfortable than metal structures.
Researchers at the University of Groningen have developed a new class of proton-conducting polymers based on protein-like materials, which may be useful in future bio-electronic devices and sensors. The novel material has shown higher measured proton conductivity than any previously known biomaterials.
Researchers reconstructed a 1,000-year-old cat skeleton found along the Silk Road, revealing that the animal had been fed and cared for by humans. The study suggests cultural exchange and changes in animal husbandry practices in Central Asia during this time period.
Photosynthetic bacteria have been engineered to produce spider silk, which is ultra-lightweight and as tough as steel. The discovery could lead to the mass production of sustainable materials such as tear-resistant clothing and biomedical applications.
Researchers have created biocompatible lenses using spider silk, enabling large-area imaging of biological areas with high resolution. The lenses use dragline silk's unique properties to generate a photonic nanojet, suitable for biomedical applications.
Researchers at Tufts University developed biomaterial-based inks that respond to chemicals released from the body or environment, providing a detailed map of human response or exposure. The technology can detect a wide range of biological conditions and molecules, potentially tracking air quality and environmental monitoring.
Researchers found that combining tightly woven cotton with two layers of polyester-spandex chiffon or natural silk can effectively filter out aerosol particles, similar to N95 masks. The effectiveness of the mask depends on a proper fit, as a 1% gap reduces filtering efficiency by half or more.
Researchers developed a novel fabrication method for silk to create solid forms with tunable properties, including strength, flexibility, and biodegradability. The method involves heat molding silk into bulk parts with added bioactive molecules.
Research reveals that methionine in spider silk proteins increases flexibility, enabling close interactions between proteins. The discovery may enable the synthesis of novel biomaterials with improved stability.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed silk materials that can form highly detailed patterns in a matter of seconds, which can be erased and reformed using vapor, enabling reversible printing and thermal regulation. The technology has potential applications in optical electronic devices, biomedical materials, and smart textiles.
A team of researchers from the University of Oxford has discovered that silk's cryogenic toughness is due to its nano-scale fibrill structure. This finding has significant implications for the development of new materials and composites for extreme cold conditions such as space.
Scientists have discovered that the natural amino acid methionine provides plasticity to spider silk proteins, increasing strength and elasticity. This finding has potential applications in industries such as aviation and textile production.
A new bio-based material has been created by combining wood cellulose fibres and spider silk protein found in spider web threads, exhibiting high strength and stiffness along with increased toughness. The researchers achieved this by aligning cellulose nanofibrils into a stiff scaffold and infiltrating it with a soft and energy-dissipa...
A new study finds that male black widow spiders will hijack the silk trails left by rival males in search of a potential mate. The researchers discovered that males can locate females from up to 60 meters away and move at higher speeds when following rival's silk trails.
MIT researchers create a system to convert protein molecular structures into audible sound, allowing for the creation of new proteins with useful properties. The system uses artificial intelligence to study cataloged melodies and introduce slight changes, resulting in new protein designs.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have successfully sequenced two genes that allow spiders to produce their sticky glue. This achievement could lead to new applications in organic pest control and biomaterials, building on previous discoveries about spider silk genes.
Researchers tracing the history of apples from wild origins to domestication reveal that ancient megafauna and Silk Road trade routes played key roles. The modern apple is a hybrid of at least four wild populations, with genetic material originating from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan.
Researchers studied how spider webs employ power amplification to capture prey, achieving accelerations of up to 772.85 m/s2. This unique method offers advantages over human tools, such as the replaceability and long-range capabilities of spider webs.
A research team has identified the Sex-lethal gene as essential for the formation of apyrene sperm, a type of non-nucleated sperm found in some animals. Apyrene sperm are required for eupyrene sperm migration in female organs, indicating their importance in fertilization.
Scientists have developed a method to manufacture spider silk and other difficult-to-make proteins using engineered bacteria. The production of these proteins could be useful during future space missions, such as producing bullet-proof fabric or surgical sutures.
Researchers discovered spider silk's supercontraction property, where it twists and contracts in response to humidity changes, potentially leading to new robotic actuators. This unique property could enable precise control of motions using controlled humidity levels.
Researchers from the University of Würzburg have provided new insights into the molecular-level structural details responsible for spider silk's exceptional strength, extensibility, and biodegradability. The study suggests that a molecular clamp connecting protein building blocks contributes to the material's flexibility.
Researchers analyzed ancient animal bones using ZooMS to discover that people were herding sheep, goat, and cattle by at least 4300 years ago. This technique provides new insights into the human story across Central Asia and opens up a whole new world of archaeological research possibilities.
The University of Pittsburgh engineers have created a transparent flexible material by combining silk fibroins with carbon nanotubes, exhibiting desirable optical mechanical and chemical properties. This breakthrough has potential applications in wearable and implantable electronic devices, as well as sensors for biomedical use.
A team of scientists at ASU has explained the fundamental mystery of spider silk's mechanical strength and elasticity. By studying hierarchical micellar nanoparticle structures, they developed a molecular level model of spider silk protein fiber formation.
Researchers have unraveled the complex process of how black widow spiders transform proteins into steel-strength fibers. They found that spider silk proteins form hierarchical nano-assemblies, potentially required for creating strong fibers.
The new journal tracks China's dominance and rise, analyzing historical, cultural, social, economic, and political impact of initiatives like AIIB and BRI. Global experts provide unique insight on the transformative effects on global mindsets.
A UMass Lowell researcher is translating the toughness of spider silks to develop high-performance synthetic biomaterials. The project aims to understand what makes Darwin's bark spider dragline silk ultra-tough and its potential applications in improving helmets, body armor, medical devices, sports gear, and more.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis engineer bacteria to produce biosynthetic spider silk with improved tensile strength and toughness, exceeding previous records. The new silk's molecular weight positively correlates with its strength, suggesting potential for further increases.
Studies of ancient plant remains from a medieval archaeological site in Uzbekistan have shown that fruits like apples, peaches, and melons were cultivated in Central Asia roughly a thousand years ago. The Silk Road played a significant role in the spread of these crops across Eurasia, contributing to their popularity in cuisines today.
Researchers have successfully engineered silkworms to produce high yields of spider silk using genome editing, a breakthrough that could pave the way for mass production of this versatile material. The transgenic silkworms produced fibers with improved elasticity and extensibility compared to wild-type silkworms.
Researchers discovered that spiders can detect and respond to electric fields, which provide lift and trigger ballooning behavior. The study suggests that variation in atmospheric electric fields may explain dispersal patterns in spiders and other animals.
Scientists from the University of Bristol have discovered that spiders can become airborne in the absence of wind when subjected to electric fields, defying current theories on aerodynamic drag. The researchers believe that electric fields trigger ballooning and provide lift, revolutionizing our understanding of spider dispersal.
A new study found that moths with larger hindwings and longer tails have a higher chance of escaping bats due to their ability to deflect sonar. Researchers tested four different hindwing shapes in real-time dogfights between bats and moths, revealing that the larger the hindwings and longer the tails, the better the moths' chances.
Spiders sense wind characteristics before takeoff and launch when conditions favor a successful flight. Large crab spiders use up to 60 nanoscale fibers averaging 3 meters long to float on the wind.
A 100-million-year-old tick discovered in Burmese amber provides insight into the intricate relationship between ticks and spiders. The ancient arachnid is bound in spider silk, offering a unique snapshot of this interaction.
Researchers have developed a novel technique using spider silk microparticles to deliver vaccines directly to immune cells, increasing T lymphocyte responses. This method shows promise in strengthening vaccine efficacy, especially for cancer and infectious diseases.
A study has revealed that pyraclostrobin, a widely used fungicide, impairs silk production in silkworms by increasing caterpillar mortality up to three times and reducing cocoons size. This finding suggests that pesticide poisoning may be one of the causes of the decline in Brazilian silkworm cocoon production.
The lab aims to design and develop MVSOT technologies using synthetic spider silk and other biomaterials for stronger, more effective, and environmentally friendly designs. USU's expertise will also be shared with the Navy on how to produce synthetic slime from hagfish proteins.
Researchers found a crucial structural element in spider silk proteins that forms strong beta-sheets, enabling quick weaving. The study used advanced spectroscopy methods to analyze the soluble protein before it formed into solid sheets.
Scientists project significant climate changes in Western China and central Asia along the Millennium Silk Road by 2020 and 2030 under different warming scenarios. A half-degree reduction in global warming can avoid severe impacts on precipitation and extreme heat events.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have created a biodegradable composite made from spider silk fibers, which can be used to repair broken load-bearing bones without complications. The new composite shows high strength and flexibility characteristics, making it suitable for treating large leg bones in adults and seniors.
Researchers have created a silk hybrid material that attacks bacteria when illuminated by green light, producing reactive oxygen species to break down organic contaminants. The biocompatible material could be used for wound healing and environmental remediation, including air and water purification.
A new study suggests that Silk Road cities had limited and monotonous diets, while nomadic communities enjoyed a diverse smorgasbord of foods. Researchers used isotopic analysis of human bones to unlock information about ancient dietary regimens.
Research reveals a significant relationship between the Silk Road Pattern and Eurasian climate anomalies, particularly in strong north-jet years. Stronger-than-usual Rossby wave source anomalies contribute to this link, suggesting more attention be given to these years.
Researchers discovered that silk fibers exhibit Anderson localization of light, a phenomenon that enables efficient control of light due to their nano-architecture. This discovery could lead to innovations in medical therapies and biosensing, as well as the creation of synthetic materials with similar properties.