Name: The magnificence of spider silk
Uploaded: 2011-12-07T15:50:05Z
Duration: 14 min 11 s
Description: Cheryl Hayashi studies spider silk, one of nature's most high-performance materials. Each species of spider can make up to 7 very different kinds of silk. How do they do it? Hayashi explains at the DNA level -- then shows us how this super-strong, super-flexible material can inspire.

Cheryl Hayashi studies spider silk, one of nature's most high-performance materials. Each species of spider can make up to 7 very different kinds of silk. How do they do it? Hayashi explains at the DNA level -- then shows us how this super-strong, super-flexible material can inspire.

Cheryl Hayashi: The magnificence of spider silk

The magnificence of spider silk

Spider silk, existing for 380 million years, showcases nature's genius in material science, offering cues for human innovation.

With spiders producing up to 7 unique silks, each serves distinct purposes, from prey capture to egg protection, demonstrating versatility.

The study of spider silk's amino acid composition reveals its immense potential in creating biomedical materials and lightweight armor.