Articles tagged with Silk
Researchers used computer models to simulate silk's molecular and atomic mechanisms, revealing the arrangement of atomic bonds responsible for its strength. The study found that a critical size of beta-sheet crystals is necessary for silk to exhibit ultra-strong and ductile characteristics.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have successfully produced hand-drawn threads of artificial honeybee silk, rivalling the strength of natural silk. The breakthrough is a significant milestone towards developing biomimetic materials for various industries.
Researchers discovered that caddisfly larvae's underwater silk adhesive is sticky and has potential to be used as a medical bioadhesive in surgery. The silk, known as 'rock rollers,' may be useful for sticking wet tissues together, similar to using a wet Band-Aid.
Biocompatible silk-based optical waveguides have been developed to meet the growing need for photonic components in biomedical applications. These waveguides are fabricated using direct ink writing and can be readily functionalized with active molecules.
Using silk templates, researchers have created composite structures with unique properties. The bio-enabled approach mimics natural material growth processes, allowing precise control over particle size and spacing. The resulting films exhibit high tensile strength, elasticity, and toughness.
A new species of pink-winged moth, Lithophane leeae, has been identified by University of Arizona biologist Bruce Walsh in the Chiricahua Mountains. The discovery highlights the region's vast biodiversity and suggests that more individuals may exist, considering the moth's habits.
Researchers found that consumers' quality expectations were initially misled by biasing cues, but they learned from these mistakes and made more accurate judgments in subsequent purchases. The study suggests marketers should rethink their strategies for misleading consumers with false attributes, as it may backfire on repeat purchases.
Scientists at Tufts University have demonstrated a new class of sensors combining nanoscale optics with biological readout functions, enabling biocompatible and biodegradable sensing technology. The developed silk-based optical elements can be used to detect harmful levels of bacteria in food and monitor glucose in the blood.
A new study found that individuals who feel powerless are more willing to pay higher prices for status-symbol items. Researchers Derek D. Rucker and Adam D. Galinsky discovered this phenomenon through three experiments, showing that powerlessness leads to increased willingness to pay for luxury goods.
Spider silk exhibits different mechanical properties based on its amino acid composition, with proline-rich silks behaving like rubber bands and low-proline silks acting as rigid springs. The presence of proline affects the silk's hydration level, causing some silks to shrink and swell more than others.
Researchers have developed an approach to degrading Congo Red using ultrasound technology, transforming it into less toxic intermediates. This method combines the power of sonolysis with conventional industrial waste water biodegradation treatment, effectively removing the color and reducing toxicity from dye-contaminated effluent.
Researchers discovered the essential design features of coiled coil silks in bees, ants, and wasps, which are produced by larvae using different methods. The unique protein structure produces a lightweight yet tough silk, likely contributing to the social insects' evolutionary success.
Scientists reveal that the adiponectin hormone plays a key role in increasing lifespan by burning fatty acids instead of glucose, reducing free radical damage. Meanwhile, researchers identify a new protein in spider silk, which could revolutionize our understanding of its mechanical properties.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have identified two key genes in black widow spider silk, which has superior strength and extensibility. The discovery may lead to the production of synthetic silk with similar properties, potentially used in body armor, medical devices and athletic attire.
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have successfully produced genetically engineered spider silk protein using genetic engineering, revealing crucial insights into the spinning process. The study found that the interaction between hydrophilic and lipophilic properties of the proteins plays a key role in thread formation.
MIT researchers have developed a new method to produce strong and stretchy nanocomposite materials, similar to spider silk. These materials can be used to strengthen packaging materials and develop tear-resistant fabrics or biomedical devices.
Researchers studied spider silk production, discovering how polymers align to create a strong fiber. They aim to develop artificial spider silk for various applications, including tendons and bulletproof vests.
The Honey Bee Genome Sequencing Project has shed light on the biology of honey bees, revealing a possible cause for their sensitivity to insecticides and the characteristics of their silk. The study also found that bee silk is more amenable to artificial production than other insects, with potential applications in textile manufacturing.
Tarantulas can now be known to secrete silk from spigots on their legs, which may have increased traction. This discovery could represent a major change in the evolution of spider silk production.
Researchers have developed a new model explaining how spiders 'fly' or parachute into new territory on single strands of silk. The model shows how the spider's silk moulds to turbulent air flows, carrying them unpredictable distances. This breakthrough could alleviate pesticide use and improve ecosystem balance.
Researchers suggest that the orb web may have originated from a single evolutionary source, with genetic evidence supporting this theory. Fossil findings also indicate that the ancestor of the two spider groups lived at least 136 million years ago.
Scientists study soil insects to develop sustainable pest control methods, such as using flavanoid compounds and silk to deter pests. Researchers also investigate the impact of genetically modified crops on soil organisms, revealing potential effects on springtails and earthworms.
Researchers are exploring spider silk's potential as an ecological material, with applications in wound-closure systems and durable surgical implants. By engineering artificial proteins, they hope to create intelligent materials that can assemble into new types of mesh with biochemically active groups.
Researchers successfully produce spider silk fibers in insect cell cultures using genetic engineering, opening the way for commercial development. The fibers possess chemical resistance characteristics similar to those produced by spiders.
Researchers found that more socially involved female baboons had higher reproductive success rates and lower infant mortality. This contradicts the long-held assumption that social relationships are only beneficial for mothers.
Scientists at Ohio State University have found evidence of silk-spinning structures on the fossilized body of an ancient arachnid, called Aphantomartus pustulatus. The finding suggests that silk-spinning has been around for a long time and could provide insights into the early evolution of arachnids and life on land.
A recent study of five baboon groups found that male baboons overwhelmingly sided with their offspring in disputes, suggesting paternal care may be an ancient trait in primates. The study, which monitored 75 juvenile baboons for whom fathers were clearly identified, provides new insights into the evolution of complex social behavior.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified the key aspects of silk processing that enable spiders and silkworms to create strong fibers. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new high-strength materials, biomaterials for tissue engineering, and environmentally friendly processes.
MIT researchers aim to replicate the properties of spider silk for use in high-strength fibers, specialty textiles, and bullet-proof gear. By understanding the structure-property relationships of spider silk, they hope to create materials with similar properties.
Researchers found that three-dimensional spider webs reduce predation by mud-dauber wasps, allowing spiders to thrive in safer environments. This escape from predation is accompanied by a significant increase in spider species diversity and abundance.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara study spider dragline silk's mechanical properties, revealing its elastic and strong nature. The protein unfolds into a modular structure with sacrificial bonds that reform under load, making it a promising material for bulletproof vests, armor, and tethers.
Researchers at Nexia Biotechnologies Inc. and US Army have made the world's first spider silk fibers from man-made materials with properties similar to natural spider silk. The production of these fibers was achieved using a proprietary transgenic goat technology, and they demonstrate high toughness, modulus, and water stability.
Researchers found that caterpillars produce distinct sounds when encountering intruders, which helps them defend their nests and attract predators. In 87% of tests, resident caterpillars successfully repelled intruders using these acoustic signals.
Researchers at Cornell University have created hybrid materials that mimic and improve on the properties of natural silkworm silk. The new materials, which include extreme flexibility, considerable tensile strength, and water solubility, are poised to be used in a variety of applications including textiles and biomedical fields.
Scientists have developed a technique to produce green fluorescent silk fibers by infecting silkworm larvae with a genetically engineered virus. This approach opens doors for genetic researchers to engineer silk proteins and produces potential economic applications.
Scientists develop biosteel, a novel material produced by infusing goat's milk with spider proteins, offering improved strength and elasticity. The new material could be used in applications such as body armor, spacecraft, or commercial fishing nets.