In The Spider Silk Scientists, readers enter Randy Lewis’ lab where they come face to face with golden orb weaver spiders, and transgenic alfalfa, silkworm silk, and goats, whose milk contains the proteins to spin spider silk–and to weave a nearly indestructible fibre. Learn how this amazing material might someday be used to repair or replace human ligaments and bones, improve body armour, strengthen parachute rope, and even tether an airplane to an aircraft carrier! Readers explore rapid advancements in the application of genetic medicine and their potential to save and improve lives while considering the crucial ethical concerns of genetic research. A timely addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series.
AUTHOR: Bridge Heos is the author of 12 intermediate and YA nonfiction titles, including The Human Genome (2010), The Creation Of Peninsulas (2009), The Alkaline Earth Metals (2009) for Rosen Publishing, and What To Expect When You’re Expecting Larvae (Spring 2011, Lerner). Prior to working as a children’s book author, Bridget freelanced for several newspapers and was the acting editor of a weekly newspaper, writing and shooting many of the articles’ photos herself. ILLUSTRATIONS: Colour illustrations