Spiders

Spider silk is one of nature’s most impressive materials, exhibiting impressive strength and toughness. Now, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis claim to have created an artificial version that can outperform some natural spider silks.

New research has demonstrated how a drug candidate built off a molecule in funnel web spider venom can stop the "death signal" that results from a heart attack, potentially providing first responders with a powerful new way to intervene.

By mimicking the self-assembling microstructures that give spider silk its incredible strength, scientists have produced a plant-based film with the strength of common single-use plastics, offering a "vegan" eco-friendly alternative.

Although spiders do help us by eating pests such as mosquitos, many people still aren't wild about having the things in their homes. Such folks may be interested in new research which suggests that ant chemicals could be used to harmlessly keep spiders away.

A new understanding of the way tarantula toxins shut down electrical signals in the spider’s prey has given scientists hope of recreating this effect, but in a positive way through advanced drugs that treat chronic pain.

Spider venom isn’t normally something you want in your body, but there might be exceptions. Australian researchers have identified two peptides from tarantula venom that show promise in blocking organ pain, working particularly well in mice with IBS.

Nanofibers have found use in numerous applications, ranging from lightweight car parts to high-strength materials. Now, thanks to a new understanding of a certain group of spiders, they may soon be easier to work with.

Opioid pain relievers not only produce potential side effects such as nausea and constipation, but they can also be highly addictive. Australian scientists have therefore created what could be a better medication, that is made using tarantula venom.

A super-keen 22-year-old Australian spider enthusiast has identified and named 7 new species of Peacock Spider. Famed for their psychedelic color schemes and funky courtship dances, they're a visual feast for arachnophiles and arachnophobes alike.

Spiders may seem like they sit on top of the food chain in the bug world, but they’re vulnerable to an even worse fate: parasitic wasps that infect and essentially “zombify” them. And now, researchers have discovered 15 new species of these wasps.

The ability of jumping spiders to correctly judge the distance of its leaps could mean big things for imaging in small devices, with scientists at Harvard tapping into these skills to develop a new kind of ultra-compact depth-perception sensor.

A new substance is claimed to combine strength and toughness, by mixing wood fibers with spider silk.