Associated Press - October 29, 2009 5:25 PM ET
LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - Researchers from the University of Wyoming say they've unraveled the secret of what makes spider webs sticky.
They say it's a protein that contains two basic components - one like spider silk, the other like mucous.
The finding could have practical applications in developing new types of environmentally friendly glue.
1 of the scientists, Omer Choresh (CHOR'-ish), says the glue secreted by orb-weaving spiders to help trap insects in their webs is among the strongest and most effective glues known in nature.
The Wyoming researchers analyzed the chemical composition of spider glue by cloning the spider gene responsible for manufacturing the substance. They published their findings earlier this month in the journal Biomacromolecules.
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