Spiders Don’t Do the Twist

The golden orb weaver’s silk keeps it from spinning out of control.

When was the last time you saw a spider spinning helplessly at the end of its silk strand? Scientists recently tested silk from two species of golden orb weavers and discovered why that just doesn’t happen. Unlike most fibers and ropes, spider silk is designed to deform when it twists. This prevents the silk from spinning. Researchers hope to adapt this unique design to create spin-free climbing ropes—one more example of how human technology is often inspired by the great Designer, who made all things for his glory and for our good.

This article was taken from Answers magazine, January–February, 2018, pg 30.