Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
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Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#2I sense a new explanation for Spiderman's webs on the next reboot.
But seriously, are we anywhere close to using this stuff for human benefit? Or near learning how these worms do what they do? This sounds fabulously awesome.
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#3I wonder what effects this process has on the organism. For instance what would happen if humans ate graphene?
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#4I wonder what effects this process has on the organism. For instance what would happen if humans ate graphene?
I think nanotubes are carcinogenic
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#5[deleted]
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#6Silkworm son: "What's for breakfast?"
Silkworm dad: "NANOTUBES."
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#7I wonder what effects this process has on the organism. For instance what would happen if humans ate graphene?
I think nanotubes are carcinogenic
Indeed, they are:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23751780
http://www.psr.org/environment-and-health/environmental-heal...
The mechanism is similar to that of asbestos.
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#8Geez. This will make its way into the food supply.
Remember, some South Koreans (and maybe other East Asian cultures) eat silkworm pupae for food.
Cheap protein, and there's no need to waste calories in that culture.
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#9Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think nanotubes are carcinogenic
Indeed, they are: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23751780 http://www.psr.org/environment-and-health/environmental-heal... The mechanism is similar to that of asbestos.
Unless dissolved in olive oil, then it has lifespan extending properties. https://alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/report/fullerene...