Shape memory in spider draglines
Article Abstract:
A study was conducted to show that spider dragline has a torsional shape 'memory' that could reversibly and totally recover its initial from without external stimulus. The results show that spider-dragline silk, in addition to its outstanding tensile strength and toughness, has unrivalled torsional qualities that stop the spider twisting and swinging.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2006
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Sexual dimorphism and distorted sex ratios in spiders
Article Abstract:
Dwarf male spiders have a higher mortality rate than their large, sedentary female companions among spider species with high sexual dimorphism in body size. This reduces the ratio of males to females, which in turn reduces competition among males, which in turn makes body size less important among males, thus favoring further dwarfism.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Liquid crystalline spinning of spider silk
Article Abstract:
If the spider's internal processing and exact control over protein folding was combined with the knowledge of the gene sequences of the material from which silk is spun, silk-based fibers could be produced under benign conditions.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Non-commutativity in the brain. Optimal transaccadic integration explains distorted spaital perception. The motor side of depth vision
- Abstracts: The family tree flowers. The origin and early evolution of plants on land. Turning over a new leaf
- Abstracts: DuPont opens up access to genetics tool. Study discloses financial interests behind papers. Publishers challenged over access to papers
- Abstracts: The octadecanoid signalling pathway in plants mediates a response to ultraviolet radiation. Night moves of pregnant moths