Got Silk? — Biotech Applications
Imagine spinning goat milk into spider silk five times stronger than steel! Scientists have found a way to put a whole new spin on genetic research. It’s called biomimicry. Scientists are now able to mimic a spider’s web by breeding goats with spider genes in their mammary cells. The goat’s milk contains a protein that can be spun and stretched into a fine silk fit to cover Spiderman — the spidergoat is here.All 50 Secrets of the Sequence videos have an accompanying classroom-tested lesson that encourages students to further explore the video topics. Each lesson includes background information, state and national science standards, discussion questions and answers, teacher notes and an activity that will ensure a hands-on, “minds-on” experience. To see lessons for this series, visit www.pubinfo.vcu.edu
