How can a tiny spider body contain material for several decimeters of gossamer silk, and what governs the conversion to thread? Researchers in Sweden can now explain this process. How can a tiny ...

Scientists and engineers love spider silk. The unique material is a major target for efforts to mimic nature’s inventiveness because it is so strong, lightweight, biologically compatible and ...

Michelle Oyen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond ...

The caterpillars that spin commercial silk can make much tougher or more elastic threads, depending on how fast they’re forced to spin. If this research finding is translated into a marketable process ...

Mention silk and most people think of mulberry silkworms, whose cocoons unravel into fine white strands when washed with soap in warm water. They account for 90% of silk production in the world; most ...

Being able to produce artificial spider silk has long been a dream of many scientists, but all attempts have until now involved harsh chemicals and have resulted in fibers of limited use. Now, a team ...

an Widmaier, cofounder and CEO of Bolt Threads, dons a white lab coat with his name and the numeral one—for employee number one—on the back before opening a door to the company’s lab. Inside, Widmaier ...

Tarantulas, like all spiders, extrude silk from so-called spinnerets on their abdomens, and scientists recently found evidence suggesting the arachnids also shoot silk from their feet, Spider-Man ...