I wonder if the same thing would happen with the golden silk weaver spider?
Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
11–20 of 74 posts
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#12Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#13Earlier 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.
Interestingly, some groups are trying to use them as a delivery platform for cancer therapies [1], though I don't really understand how they'd compete with something biocompatible and tested like liposomes.
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#14I 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.
You beat me to the Spider-Man reference.
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#15I wonder what effects this process has on the organism. For instance what would happen if humans ate graphene?
The good news about silkworms is that they're not in it for the long haul anyway, so as long as there are no teratogenic effects, it's all ok.
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#16Geez. 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.
ya eating crickets is also supposed to be protein dense, its good thing tho, because red meats are devastating to the eco system. Id be down to try some cricket flower cookies :D
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#17Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#18Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#19Is it space elevator worthy?
Re: Silkworms that eat carbon nanotubes and graphene spin tougher silk
#20> The team heated the silk fibers at 1,050 °C to carbonize the silk protein
This is suspiciously similar to the way that carbon fiber is made. It could be that they are just converting the silk into carbon fiber and the nanotubes are not an important part of the process. Then again, I only read the summary.