LHR 050816 Aer Lingus Airbus A320-214 EI-DEI By Robinson Images Via Flickr: Photograph Taken By Craig

Awesome

The future of fashion is spiders

If you’ve ever looked at a spiderweb, it’s easy to see that spiders have some serious weaving skills. But what’s less obvious is that spider silk, which makes up those webs, is one of the most impressive materials known to man. 

It’s five times stronger than steel, more elastic than rubber bands, and softer than wool. 

If scientists could harness this material, imagine the things it could be used for: bulletproof clothing; biodegradable water bottles; waterproof bags; and flexible bridge suspension ropes. 

Here’s the problem: It’s not easy to get large quantities of the material from actual spiders. So, for years, materials scientists have been studying spider silk to see how it might be copied.

Enter Bolt Threads. The company, founded by three scientists from UCSF and UC Berkeley, discovered a technique that makes mass production of spider silk feasible.

The researchers inserted genes into yeast, which then produces a spider silk-like protein as it ferments. Through a proprietary system, the silk is spun into solid yarn.

The fibers, which are much finer than natural materials like cotton and stronger than nylon, could lend clothes the best qualities of both natural and artificial fibers: they would be soft and light, while durable enough to toss in the wash repeatedly. Imagine a fabric that is tough, durable, lightweight, and petroleum-free.

And not only can they make spider silk, they can customize it. Spider silk could improve the performance of everything from parachutes and climbing ropes to fishing nets and surgical sutures. 

10 game-changing grad student startups

Follow @ucresearch​

Very lovely indeed

Looking for milk chocolate! We currently live in Tucson, AZ We are frequently in the San Diego area. While hubby is working I am wanting to meet some younger, tall, semi-dark and handsome….

Nice

Sheamateur.com

Him or Bellerin is a win for us I reckon.

Latest rumours claim that Liverpool FC have signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal on a pre-contract agreement but there is no news on a potential fee of yet. There had been numerous reports circling for days linking the Reds with a £35m move for the winger/midfielder and it looks as if they could have hit the nail on the head after Graeme Kelly tweeted yesterday morning “Oxlade Chamberlain lads, feel bad saying it, been told today it’s done. Got no fee info like.”

Would you lot be happy with the Ox as a signing?

For me please

Picture Galleries l Twitter l Facebook

LHR 050816 KUWAIT AIRWAYS AIRBUS A330-243 9K-APD BA BOEING 747-400 by Robinson Images Via Flickr: Photograph taken by Craig Robinson I loved being able to get multiple planes on approach

Lovely

Two sexy milfs at the beach

Photography by sunset-wing http://sunsetwing.com/

New Chitose Airport (RJCC/CTS) / 新千歳空港