Here come the spider socks

IT MIGHT be just the thing to ease your arachnophobia: Japanese researchers have created a pair of comfortable yet durable socks from spider thread and silk.

“By genetically modifying silkworms, I thought it might be possible to create good spider silk,” said Masao Nakagaki, a professor at Shinshu University in central Japan who developed the fibre after 10 years of research.

“It is better for the environment to replace artificial fibres that use up precious oil with natural recyclable fibres,” he said.

Mr Nakagaki succeeded in creating spider silk consisting of 10% spider proteins and 90% silk by injecting genes from a golden orb-weaving spider into silkworms.

Spiders produce at least seven different types of thread, ranging from tough ones that hold up the web to elastic ones encircling it.

Experts say these threads are stronger than steel and lighter than existing artificial fibres such as Kevlar, used for bullet-proof vests. But spider fibres are difficult to mass-produce due to the limited amount spiders can make.

The developers of the spider socks aim to revitalise both the wearers’ feet with possible anti-ageing effects and Japan’s waning silk and socks industry.

“These Japanese industries have sunk, overwhelmed by Chinese manufacturers. We want to distinguish ourselves with our unique efforts,” said Yoshiyuki Ueda of Okamoto Corp, adding that customers can expect to find the socks in stores about 2010.