Paralysis promises smart silk technology

(Phys.org) —Oxford University researchers have harnessed the natural defence mechanism of silkworms, which causes paralysis, in what is a major step towards the large-scale production of silks with tailor-made properties.

Flexible polymer opals

A synthetic material which mimics the brightest and most vivid colours in nature, and changes colour when twisted or stretched, has been developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, and could have important ...

Multi-talented enzyme—produced on large-scale

Papayas are delicious and healthy – and they contain papain, an enzyme that is isolated from the fruit and used in countless industries. They are used for brewing beer, the handling of meat products, the treating of wool ...

Rapunzel, Leonardo and the physics of the ponytail

(PhysOrg.com) -- New research provides the first mathematical understanding of the shape of a ponytail and could have implications for the textile industry, computer animation and personal care products.

Functional textiles: An alternative to antibiotics

Tuser Biswas conducts research that aims to develop modern medical textiles that are good for both the environment and human health. Textiles with antimicrobial properties could reduce the use of antibiotics. On February ...

Bio-inspired textiles promote sustainable fashion

While color is one of the primary indicators of sales success within the fashion industry, it's also one of the world's largest sources of water pollution. In fact, textile mills often dump residual dyes and hazardous chemicals ...

Creating cotton that is fireproof and comfortable

State-of-the-art flame retardant cotton textiles suffer from release of formaldehyde and are uncomfortable to wear. Empa scientists managed to circumvent this problem by creating a physically and chemically independent network ...

Yarns coated with enzymes can act as filters

North Carolina State University researchers showed in a new study they could coat cotton yarns with enzymes, which are nature's tool for speeding chemical reactions, in order to change hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water. ...

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