Scientists have created the strongest spider silk ever known – and it’s twice as strong as any other naturally occurring spider silk. The new material is the culmination of years of research and could lead to a range of new applications, from medical sutures to advanced bulletproof vests. The team of scientists from the University of Cambridge used the natural spider silk-producing genes from the Golden Orb Weaver spider, combined with advanced genetic engineering techniques, to create a new type of spider silk that’s twice as strong as the strongest natural spider silk. The new silk also has superior mechanical properties, such as elasticity and toughness, meaning it could be used for a variety of applications. The research is still in its early stages, but the team believes this new material could revolutionize the medical, engineering, and military industries.

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org