Canada Foundation for Innovation

Canada Foundation for Innovation


10,000 ways | Jan Rainey is untangling the mysteries of spider silks

May 20, 2025

The Dalhousie University researcher is looking to create synthetic versions of spider's silk that have the potential to help heal damaged nerves and damaged hearts. 

Researcher Jan Rainey’s curiosity about synthetic fibres began during an undergraduate work term with DuPont. Years later, he heard stories from a fellow researcher that alluded to the amazing properties of spider’s silk. Now he's studying the unique characteristics of spider fibres in hopes of generating synthetic versions that are stronger than bullet-proof Kevlar and body restorative.  Drop in, stick around and get trapped in a great science story from a cutting-edge bio-lab.

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