GeoBeats Examines the Potential of These Eight-Legged Creatures
Kevin Young — March 11, 2012 — Tech
References: news.discovery & bbc
Spider silk now has a more meaningful purpose other than catching insects and prey, according to a series by GeoBeats.
These creepy crawling creatures are responsible for sending many people running for their lives, but Japanese researcher Shigeyoshi Osaki embraces them. He uses spider silk to form the strings on a violin. Original and preferred use of violin strings usually compose of nylon, steel or catgut, which is made from the linings of animal intestines.
Up to 5,000 individual spider silk strands are twisted together in one direction to form a lining. Three of these formed linings are then chained together and spun in the opposite direction. This method shows that the bounded strings are more compact and leave less space in between the strands. Spider silk strings are not as strong as catgut, but they are more durable than materials like nylon or aluminum. The spider silk violin generates a different tonality, which offers a distinct spin to music, according to the GeoBeats series.
These creepy crawling creatures are responsible for sending many people running for their lives, but Japanese researcher Shigeyoshi Osaki embraces them. He uses spider silk to form the strings on a violin. Original and preferred use of violin strings usually compose of nylon, steel or catgut, which is made from the linings of animal intestines.
Up to 5,000 individual spider silk strands are twisted together in one direction to form a lining. Three of these formed linings are then chained together and spun in the opposite direction. This method shows that the bounded strings are more compact and leave less space in between the strands. Spider silk strings are not as strong as catgut, but they are more durable than materials like nylon or aluminum. The spider silk violin generates a different tonality, which offers a distinct spin to music, according to the GeoBeats series.
Trend Themes
1. Spider Silk Innovation - Spider silk is increasingly being used for purposes beyond catching insects, such as making unique and durable violin strings.
2. Sustainable Alternatives - Sustainable alternatives like spider silk could replace traditional but environmentally damaging materials in various industries.
3. Biomimicry in Music - The use of spider silk in making violin strings is an example of biomimicry in music, finding inspiration in nature to develop innovative products.
Industry Implications
1. Music - The music industry could explore the use of sustainable materials like spider silk to create unique and high-quality instruments.
2. Textiles - The textile industry can incorporate spider silk into fabric and clothing production as a sustainable and durable alternative to synthetic materials.
3. Medical - Spider silk has the potential for use in medical applications, such as wound healing and drug delivery systems, making it an area for research and development.
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