Spider silk is spun by silkworms for the first time, offering a green alternative to synthetic fibers

3 years ago by BlastedBadger to c/biology

Scientists in China have synthesized spider silk from genetically modified silkworms, producing fibers six times tougher than the Kevlar used in bulletproof vests. The study, published September 20 in the journal Matter, is the first to successfully produce full-length spider silk proteins using silkworms. The findings demonstrate a technique that could be used to manufacture an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic commercial fibers such as nylon.

Ah, Crispr-Cas9 is convenient.

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g6d3np81 11 points 3 years ago

Next, find a way to make them leave cocoon intact for better yield, then breed the moth so they don't have to modify the next generation.

I also find this quite funny.

but when he saw the silkworms’ eyes glowing red under the fluorescence microscope—a sign that the gene editing had been successful

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gullible 5 points 3 years ago

Eternally juvenile silkworms, the seedless grape of the fabric industry.

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