Artificial Spider Silk Could Be Used for Armor, More

January 18, 2005 | Source: National Geographic

Scientists have uncovered the genetic formula that spiders use to make silk from proteins and possibly improve on it.

Understanding how spiders do this could someday result in new stronger and lighter materials that could replace plastics. Other uses include extremely thin sutures for eye or nerve surgery, plasters and other wound covers, artificial ligaments and tendons, and textiles for parachutes.