Secrets of spider silk are unspun

SPIDER silk could help turn ordinary wood into a super-material, research suggests.

The claim was made by scientists unravelling the secrets of spider silk, which is stronger and less brittle than steel.

Researchers found that spiders are masters of nanotechnology, employing a unique crystal structure to make their silk unique.

They believe in future it may be possible to copy and create new materials that are flexible and strong out of cheap elements.

Theoretically, they could be made from wood, straw or hemp, say scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.