Spiders know the meaning of web music
Researchers found that spider silk can be tuned to a wide range of harmonics, allowing spiders to detect vibrations from prey and mates. This unique property could inspire new technologies such as tiny sensors.
Silk
Articles tagged with Silk
Fabricating nanostructures with silk could make clean rooms green rooms
Researchers at Tufts University have demonstrated an environmentally friendly process to generate nanostructures from silk using water as a developing agent. This approach provides a green alternative to conventional synthetic polymers and delivers fabrication quality comparable to conventional methods.
Silk-based surgical implants could offer a better way to repair broken bones
Researchers have developed silk-based screws and plates that can potentially improve bone remodeling following injury and eliminate the need for surgical removal. The devices were tested in laboratory rats and showed promising results, suggesting they could spare patients from complications associated with metal implants.
A silk coat for diamonds makes sleek new imaging and drug delivery tool
Researchers have developed new silk-coated diamond particles that can be injected into living cells to provide a novel technique for biological imaging and drug delivery. The silk coating enhances the brightness of the nanodiamonds while preserving their optical properties, making them safe for use in the body.
Spider silk ties scientists up in knots
A team from the University of the Basque Country has repeated an experiment that previously found spider silk to be an excellent thermal conductor. Their results show a significant decrease in thermal diffusivity, with values up to 300 times smaller than those reported earlier.
Silkworms spin colored silks while on a 'green' dyed-leaf diet
Researchers developed a method to feed dyed leaves to silkworms, producing colored silk fibers without harsh chemicals. The study successfully incorporated azo dyes into the caterpillars' silk, paving the way for more environmentally friendly textile production.
Captive breeding for thousands of years has impaired olfactory functions in silkmoths
A study by the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology found that domesticated silkmoths (Bombyx mori) have reduced perception of environmental odors due to centuries of captivity. However, their sensitivity to female pheromones remains intact.
3 new wafer trapdoor spiders from Brazil
Scientists have discovered three new species of wafer trapdoor spiders in Brazil, expanding our knowledge of the genus Fufius. The discovery highlights the morphological variability of the species and provides insight into their distribution across different environments.
X-ray science taps bug biology to design better materials and reduce pollution
Scientists tap into bug biology to design new materials, such as artificial ligaments and chemical-free pest control methods. The study of caddisfly silk reveals its unique properties, including water resistance and collagen-like behavior. Additionally, researchers use X-ray technology to better understand human muscle mechanics and po...
Florida State University's unofficial 'Spider-Man' follows nature's lead
Physicist Eden Steven found that coating spider silk with carbon nanotubes creates a humidity sensor, strain sensor, actuator, and electrical wire. This sustainable material has potential to replace toxic elements in electronic devices.
Silky brain implants may help stop spread of epilepsy
Researchers found that adenosine-releasing silk implants can reduce DNA methylation levels in the brain and prevent the progression of epilepsy. The study suggests that the implants could be used to prevent seizures after head trauma or following conventional surgery.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2013
Spider webs more effective at ensnaring charged insects
Researchers found that spider webs are more effective at capturing charged insects, with positively charged insects attracting the negatively charged web. This discovery suggests that electrostatic charges may have driven the evolution of specialized webs.
UH Case Medical Center among first to enroll patients for global carotid artery trial
Physicians at UH Case Medical Center are enrolling patients in the ROADSTER Study, a global clinical trial testing the Silk Road System, a minimally invasive procedure to clear carotid artery blockages. The trial aims to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this innovative treatment option for high-risk patients.
Silk and cellulose biologically effective for use in stem cell cartilage repair
A study published in Biomacromolecules has identified a blend of natural fibers like cellulose and silk as a potential scaffold for stem cells to form into chondrocytes, the cells that produce healthy cartilage. The blend provides complex chemical and mechanical cues that induce stem cell differentiation without the need for expensive ...
Stanford researcher sheds new light on the mysteries of spider silk
A Stanford researcher has developed a non-invasive technique to measure the mechanical properties of an intact spider web, revealing surprising variations in stiffness and supercontraction. The study provides insights into the behavior of nature's strongest material and its potential applications in engineering bio-inspired materials.
ASU scientists unravel the mysteries of spider silk
Researchers have uncovered the elastic properties of spider silk, with variations among fibers, junctions, and glue spots. The findings provide a blueprint for structural engineering of strong, stretchy, and elastic materials.
The music of the silks
Researchers at MIT have created new materials inspired by spider silk and music, offering a potential solution for designing new biosynthetic materials. By analyzing the structural elements of music, they were able to predict the properties of new protein-based fibers, leading to the creation of stronger and more flexible materials.
Implantable silk optics multi-task in the body
The devices offer significant improvement in tissue imaging while simultaneously enabling photo thermal therapy, administering drugs and monitoring drug delivery. The biodegradable and biocompatible micro-mirrors dissolve harmlessly at predetermined rates, requiring no surgery to remove them.
Hagfish slime as a model for tomorrow's natural fabrics
Researchers have created synthetic fibers from protein-based raw materials, including those found in hagfish slime, to replace petroleum-based synthetics. The new fibers offer a sustainable alternative for the textile industry.
The leggiest animal on Earth lives in the outskirts of Silicon Valley
The Illacme plenipes, a millipede species from California, boasts the most legs of any animal group, with females reaching up to 750 legs. Its unique anatomy and adaptations enable it to thrive in its limited habitat near San Juan Bautista, where thick fog accumulation provides a specialized environment.
Eco-friendly optics: Spider silk's talents harnessed for use in biosensors, lasers, microchips
Two teams explore using natural silk for implantable sensors, compostable lasers, and microfibers integrated into photonic chips. Silk's optical properties make it an attractive material for biocompatible and biodegradable applications.
1 glue, 2 functions
Scientists at the University of Akron have discovered that cobweb spiders use two different designs to create adhesives with varying strengths, one for firm attachments and another for weak ones. This intelligent design strategy could lead to the development of synthetic adhesives with biomedical applications.
Next up: Electronics that vanish in the environment or the body
Researchers have developed biodegradable electronics that can dissolve in water or bodily fluids, opening new design paradigms for medical implants, environmental monitors and consumer devices. The technology harnesses techniques for making tiny electronic systems out of ultrathin sheets of silicon, which can completely dissolve in a f...
Smooth as silk 'transient electronics' dissolve in body or environment
Researchers at Tufts University developed 'transient electronics' that can dissolve in a prescribed time, ranging from minutes to years. These devices promise medical implants that never need removal and consumer electronics that become compost.
The future of biomaterial manufacturing: Spider silk production from bacteria
A new video article demonstrates a standardized procedure for harvesting and processing synthetic spider silk from bacteria, improving fiber strength and scalability. The technique has potential industrial applications in industries where spider silk's properties are valuable.
SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJul 18, 2012
Vaccine and antibiotics stabilized so refrigeration is not needed -- NIH study
Researchers developed a silk-based stabilizer that maintains potency of live vaccines and antibiotics even at high storage temperatures. This innovation has the potential to eliminate the need for refrigeration, saving billions in costs and increasing accessibility to third-world populations.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2012
New silk technology preserves heat-sensitive drugs for months without refrigeration
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered a way to stabilize heat-sensitive drugs in silk protein, preserving potency for months at temperatures above 110 degrees F. The technology allows for the development of single devices that can store and deliver vaccines or antibiotics without costly refrigeration.
'Killer silk:' Making silk fibers that kill anthrax and other microbes in minutes
Researchers developed a chlorinated form of silk that kills bacteria and spores in minutes, offering potential uses for protective coatings and water purification. The treatment, which involves soaking silk in a solution similar to household bleach, has broad applications in various fields.
High-strength silk scaffolds improve bone repair
Researchers created fully biodegradable silk scaffolds with high-compressive strength, mimicking native bone features. The composite materials enhanced human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and improved bone remodeling.
Killer silk: Making silk fibers that kill anthrax and other microbes in minutes
Scientists create a simple, inexpensive dip-and-dry treatment to convert ordinary silk into a fabric that kills disease-causing bacteria, including anthrax spores. The new 'killer silk' has potential uses for protective coatings, water purification, and mitigating toxic substances.
Iowa State engineer discovers spider silk conducts heat as well as metals
Researcher Xinwei Wang found that spider silk conducts heat better than most materials, including silicon and aluminum, with a rate of 416 watts per meter Kelvin. Spider silk also exhibits an abnormal increase in thermal conductivity when stretched.
Most stretchable spider silk reported
Researchers found that the egg sac silk of the cocoon stalk was more stretchable than any previously tested egg sac silk. The study, published in PLOS ONE, may provide insight into super-stretchable biological materials and bio-inspired nanomaterials.
A spider web's strength lies in more than its silk
Researchers show that spider web durability relies on compensating for damage and stress responses of individual strands. Spider webs sacrifice local areas to prevent failure, a strategy unlike other biological materials.
Hybrid silkworms spin stronger spider silk
Scientists at the University of Notre Dame have successfully engineered silkworms to produce fibers with the strength and elasticity of spider silk. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new materials for sutures, wound dressings, artificial limbs, and other textiles. The researchers used a transgenic engineering approach ...
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2012
Silk microneedles deliver controlled-release drugs painlessly
Researchers at Tufts University developed silk-based microneedle systems that can precisely control drug release rates and maintain bioactivity. The technology has the potential to address limitations in existing painless drug delivery mechanisms and prevent local infections.
Self-epilation is an acceptable alternative to surgery in patients with mild trachomatous trichiasis
A large trial in Ethiopia found that self-epilation using clean forceps is an acceptable alternative to surgery for treating minor trachomatous trichiasis. This approach preserves vision and offers logistical advantages over traditional surgical methods, making it a promising solution for low-resource countries.
Researchers link patterns seen in spider silk, melodies
Researchers at MIT have created an analogy between the physical structure of spider silk and the sonic structure of a melody, showing that the structure of each relates to its function in an equivalent way. The study reveals that structural patterns are directly related to functional properties such as lightweight strength and sonic te...
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering·JournalBioNanoScience·DateDec 8, 2011
Genetic code of first arachnid cracked
The study reveals unique genes that contribute to the spider mite's resistance to pesticides and its ability to produce silk threads. This breakthrough provides new insights into the evolution of arthropods and offers opportunities for developing more effective crop protection strategies.
First practical scientific test to date and authenticate priceless silk masterpieces
Scientists have developed a fast and reliable scientific test to authenticate the age and authenticity of priceless silk tapestries and treasures. The new method tracks time-related deterioration in silk protein, providing accurate measures of age within 50-100 years.
Smithsonian conservation team develops new technique for dating silk
The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute has developed a fast and reliable method to date silk using capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry. This technique measures the natural deterioration of silk's amino acids to determine its age, providing a scientific clock for estimating silk's age.
Why spiders don't drop off of their threads
Researchers discovered that a small domain in spider silk proteins is responsible for forming strong threads. The N terminal domain plays a crucial role in designing long threads with great tensile strength.
Genetically engineered spider silk for gene therapy
A new study develops and tests genetically engineered spider silk for safe and efficient gene delivery, offering a promising alternative to viral vectors. The material successfully attaches to diseased cells and injects DNA without harming mice in lab studies.
Scientists crack the spiders' web code
Researchers observed that spiders increase decorating activity in response to severe web damage but not light damage, suggesting the purpose of silk decorations is to make webs more visible to predators. This study helps unravel the mystery of why orb-weaving spiders decorate their webs.
New method of unreeling cocoons could extend silk industry beyond Asia
Researchers develop new method to unreel silk from wild cocoons without damaging strands. The technique allows for long, strong fibers, opening up the silk industry to new regions with wild silkworm populations.
Tarantulas shoot silk from feet
Researchers Claire Rind and Luke Birkett discovered tarantulas shoot silk from their feet when they lose their footing. The silk is produced by microscopic spigots on the spiders' feet, which are distributed across the foot's surface.
Curtains that 'quench' noise
Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a new curtain fabric that is lightweight yet absorbs sound. The new textiles absorb five times more sound than conventional translucent curtains, making them suitable for various rooms such as offices and auditoriums.
Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk
Researchers have uncovered the key to spider silk's incredible strength and toughness, revealing a serial arrangement of crystalline and amorphous subunits that outperforms random structures. This breakthrough may lead to the design of artificial silk fibers with similar properties.
Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk
Researchers deciphered the molecular structure behind spider silk's remarkable mechanical properties, discovering that soft amorphous subunits contribute to its elasticity and crystalline subunits determine its maximal toughness. The study's findings may aid in designing artificial silk fibers with improved performance.
Silk moth's antenna inspires new nanotech tool with applications in Alzheimer's research
Researchers at University of Michigan have created a new coating that traps and transports molecules through nanopores, enabling the study of single biomolecules with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough technology has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Sows ears and silk purses: Packing more flavor into modern pork
Researchers identify biochemical mechanisms in Casertana and Large White pigs to produce more flavorful and leaner pork products. The study aims to develop new pig breeds with a desirable combination of leanness and flavor.
Implantable silk metamaterials could advance biomedicine, biosensing
Researchers created the first large area metamaterial structures on implantable bio-compatible silk substrates, providing a promising path towards developing novel biomaterial-inspired biosensors and biodetectors. The silk metamaterials retained their resonance properties while implanted under muscle tissue, opening up possibilities fo...
Behind the secrets of silk lie high-tech opportunities
Researchers at Tufts University have made significant advancements in silk materials, transforming them from commodity textiles to high-tech applications. The development of silk hydrogels, films, fibers, and sponges enables advances in photonics, nanotechnology, electronics, adhesives, and microfluidics.
Native-like spider silk produced in metabolically engineered bacterium
Researchers have successfully produced native-like spider silk in a metabolically engineered bacterium, opening up new avenues for sustainable materials and biomedical applications. The artificial fiber exhibits comparable mechanical properties to native spider silk, with high strength, extensibility, and stiffness.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2010
Disease genes that followed the Silk Road identified
Researchers have identified key genetic mutations causing Behçet's disease, a vascular condition leading to severe ulcers and skin lesions. The study found three genes associated with the disease, paving the way for new treatments.
Desperate female spiders fight by different rules
A new study reveals that female jumping spiders fight with different rules than males, skipping preliminaries and engaging in all-out battles. The researchers found that the motivation behind a female's fighting behavior is her proximity to reproductive age and desire to protect her nest.
Revealing China's ancient past
A well-preserved village in China's Sanyangzhuang offers a unique glimpse into daily life in Western China during the Han Dynasty. The site features remarkable finds such as tiled roofs, brick foundations and metal tools, suggesting a relatively affluent community despite its remote location.
Investigating how spiders spin their silk, researchers unravel a key step
Scientists have discovered that a molecular switch in spider silk controls fiber assembly, enabling the creation of highly stable and elastic fibers. The breakthrough opens the way towards biomimetic production of ultra-strong fibers with applications in various industries.
Tobacco imagery still common in films rated suitable for kids and young teens
Research published in Thorax found tobacco use and brand appearances in 15 commercially successful UK films between 1989 and 2008. Despite a 80% decline in five-minute tobacco intervals, imagery persisted across all age categories, including those deemed suitable for children and young teens.
A brain-recording device that melts into place
A new brain implant made from silk has been developed to monitor and control seizures, as well as transmit signals past damaged spinal cord areas. The ultrathin flexible implants can record brain activity more faithfully than thicker devices, with potential applications in epilepsy, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 18, 2010
Spider silk reveals a paradox of super-strength
Researchers discover that weak hydrogen bonds produce stronger materials when confined to specific spaces, leading to enhanced ductility and self-healing capabilities. This unique arrangement of atomic bonds enables silk to surpass steel in strength tests, with potential applications for future materials.