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Spider Webs Can be Used in Cosmetic, Reconstructive Surgeries | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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A spider weaves its web on tree during the early morning in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. (Reuters)


Vienna – Before we remove spider webs, which annoy and disgust us, from our homes, we should read this article that supports previous researches that highlight the importance of these webs and their medical benefits.

According to a media report on Saturday, a medical team specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery from the University of Vienna said the webs can be used to repair damaged nerves and tissues.

During a trial, researchers used Tanzanian spider “golden webs” that are known for their strength and durability. They are so strong that Tanzanian fishermen use them for their nets.

Spider web threads are strong, powerful, thin and long and can be used in nerve-related surgeries and tumor removal and the treatment of deep burns, in dentistry and other fields.

Doctors still use artificial material in nerve transplants. Should the synthetic material degrade, they may cause inflammation. Spider webs however are a natural substance that cannot be rejected by the body. They can therefore help in transplanting cells and enhance their growth until they attach themselves to the end of the opposite nerve.

The head of the research team pointed out that spider web threads are longer than threads currently used by surgeons. The former can reach 6cm in length, while the latter reach a maximum length of 4cm.

Spider threads are silky and rubbery, but strong and tough at the same time. They also have a greater bearing capacity than steel and are therefore known as “biological steel”.

Only female spiders produce webs. They do so through glands in their stomachs. Scientists can extract them through electric devices. More than 200 meters can be extracted at a time, depending on the diet of spider.