In A First, Genetically Modified Silkworms Produced Pure Spider Silk
Spider silk is known for its toughness and durability that comes from spiders. Spiders are known as territorial anthropods who use their silk for hunting/prey purposes. This is why the article explained how it wasn't easy to cause the spiders to produce silk. Spider silk is known to be tougher than steel and kevlar which is used in making bulletproof vests. Researchers from China have found to make pure spider silk using genetically modified silkworms. Even though the spider silk was made it doesn't compare to the strength of natural spider silk. These scientists tried multiple organisms before using silkworms to make modified spider silk. Silkworms are difficult organisms to work with but their body is made to create silk naturally. Although the team made this discovery their goal is to develop stronger silk that can help in the manufacture of silk fibers to improve the production of pillowcases, bandage dressings, prosthetic arteries, etc.
Its fascinating to learn that natural spider silk is tougher and more durable than steel and kevlar it makes it very valuable material.
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