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HumbleExaggeration ( HumbleExaggeration@feddit.org )  to Science · 9 months ago

This tiny molecular trick makes spider silk almost unbreakable

www.sciencedaily.com

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This tiny molecular trick makes spider silk almost unbreakable

www.sciencedaily.com

HumbleExaggeration ( HumbleExaggeration@feddit.org )  to Science · 9 months ago
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Scientists have cracked a key mystery behind spider silk’s legendary strength and flexibility. They discovered that tiny molecular interactions act like natural glue, holding silk proteins together as they transform from liquid into incredibly tough fibers. This same process helps create silk that’s stronger than steel by weight and tougher than Kevlar.
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  • VivianRixia ( VivianRixia@piefed.social ) 
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    9 months ago

    “The way silk proteins undergo phase separation and then form β-sheet-rich structures mirrors mechanisms we see in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s,”

    That’s a wild thing to drop and then not elaborate on.

    • Em Adespoton ( adespoton@lemmy.ca ) 
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      9 months ago

      So… the human brain can act like a spider’s spinneret… we just need a way to extrude the human silk instead of letting it gum up our brains.

      • VivianRixia ( VivianRixia@piefed.social ) 
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        9 months ago

        The cure for Alzheimer’s is harvesting brain silk out our nose is what I’m hearing.

        • Chahk ( chahk@beehaw.org ) 
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          9 months ago

          The real Spiderman will shoot webs by sneezing.

  • Wildcat16 ( Wildcat16@beehaw.org ) 
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    9 months ago

    I’ve always found spiders fascinating. Such little creatures are able to produce material that’s stronger than steel, eating over 2000 insects a year keeping pests under control, and overall just being good for the environment. The world would be a lot worse without those little critters, I’m glad we have them on our planet.

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