With Halloween just behind us, it’s hard not to think of spiders and their intricate webs. But beyond their spooky appeal, spider webs are a true wonder of nature. Despite being thinner than a human hair and lighter than cotton, spider silk is actually five times stronger than steel of the same diameter, according to Science magazine. It’s also highly elastic and can maintain its strength in extreme temperatures, making it one of the most versatile materials on Earth.
Interestingly, only about half of all spiders spin webs, but all spiders produce silk — which humans have been taking advantage of for centuries. Ancient Greek soldiers used cobwebs to reduce bleeding, and the U.S. military has even developed body armor using spider silk.
So the next time you see a spider web, whether it’s leftover Halloween decor or a natural creation in your garden, remember: the silk that seems so delicate could one day save a life.
Read more: Spider Silk Five Times Stronger Than Steel
Original article credit: Science Magazine