Israeli scientists spin first artificial spider's web

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2004

JERUSALEM (AFP) — An Israeli university has succeeded in genetically-engineering a form of spider's web almost identical to natural webs which could be developed for commercial use.

Created out of genes from the bodies of the spiders themselves, the webs are much stronger than silk and could be used in the manufacture of bullet-proof vests, surgical threat and fishing rods, the Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday.

The development, which was achieved by scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem along with experts from Munich University in Germany and Britain's Oxford University, could open the way for production of the cobwebs for industrial use.

Natural webs contain silks from certain proteins and in order to duplicate such properties the scientists...