Silk

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In a captivating exploration that spans continents and millennia, Aarathi Prasad delves into the intricate history of the queen of fabrics. Through the lens of scientists and the biology of silk-producing animals, she examines the global, natural, and cultural narrative of this unique material that has captivated humanity for centuries. Silk, renowned for its lightness, luminosity, and beauty, is also one of the strongest biological materials known. Historically, it was used to create the first bulletproof vest, yet science has only begun to unlock its vast potential. The technologies inspired by silk—from sutures to pharmaceuticals and even holograms—are now emerging as sustainable alternatives to the plastics harming our environment. Prasad's work traces silk's origins and ancient trade routes, highlighting the biologists who have uncovered the secrets of silk-producing creatures, including moths, spiders, and mollusks. With multiple stories and pathways woven into its history, Silk reveals the diverse connections forged by scientists and the animal kingdom. This intoxicating blend of biography and science not only illuminates the rich history of silk but also envisions its promising future as a resource with immense, untapped possibilities.