Researchers created a tough, light, flexible material, called shrilk, based on the proteins and structure of the surface covering of insects. Cynthia Graber reports Material scientists admire spider ...

Harmful chemicals are often used in textile processing. That is why the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB is researching harmless biobased alternatives. The ...

Researchers are optimizing the process of extracting chitin from black soldier fly carcasses, which can be used to synthesize biodegradable bioplastics. Using insects to make plastics that are ...

Researchers have developed a way for early Mars travelers to build pretty much whatever they need using a fibrous material found on Earth. Chitin, which is found in the shells of sea creatures and ...