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Silkworms

All articles tagged with #silkworms

science-and-technology2 years ago•4 min saved

"Spider DNA infusion revolutionizes silk production for superior strength and sustainability"

Scientists have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing technology to insert spider genes into silkworms, resulting in silk that is stronger and tougher than Kevlar. Previous attempts to genetically engineer silkworms to produce spider-quality silk had failed, but this breakthrough involved a concept called "localization" that targeted specific locations in the genome. The resulting fibers exhibited impressive tensile strength and toughness, surpassing Kevlar's toughness six-fold. This achievement opens up possibilities for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly high-strength materials, potentially transforming the textiles industry.

via Freethink|

#biomimetics #genetic-engineering #science-and-technology

science-and-technology2 years ago•3 min saved

Silkworms Revolutionize Textile Industry with Spider Silk Production

Scientists in China have successfully synthesized spider silk from genetically modified silkworms, producing fibers that are six times tougher than Kevlar. This breakthrough offers a green alternative to synthetic fibers like nylon and has potential applications in various industries, including textiles, military, aerospace, and biomedical engineering. The use of genetically modified silkworms allows for the production of spider silk fibers on a large scale, utilizing the well-established rearing techniques of silkworms. This development addresses the need for sustainable materials and could lead to the commercialization of spider silk as a strategic resource.

via Phys.org|

#genetic-modification #science-and-technology #silkworms