Heos, Bridget. Stronger Than Steel.

Heos, Bridget.  Stronger Than Steel.  Houghton Mifflin      2013  80p   ISBN 978-0-547-68126-9    series: Scientists In the Field (HM)#8  ms/hs  Hardback   VG-BNS  Nonfiction

Spider silk is stronger than steel, stronger than Kevlar and, possibly, a major material of the future to be used in multiple applications from medical to military.  Scientists at the University of Wyoming and Utah State University have been working to make spider silk more available through genetic engineering.  By altering the DNA of goats, bacteria, silk worms, and alfalfa to incorporate that of golden orb weaver spiders, larger quantities of silk can be produced.  The book begins with a discussion of spider silk and its qualities and continues with an explanation of DNA.  It follows the work of Dr. Randy Lewis in his labs and describes how the transgenic goats are produced and how their milk is treated to isolate the spider silk proteins.  The book also reviews the similar processes used in altering the DNA of alfalfa, bacteria, and silk worms to produce spider silk.

This is the newest addition to the superb series Scientists in the Field, and it offers an intriguing look into the science of genetic engineering.   Written in an engaging manner, it is filled with excellent color photographs that showcase both the human and goat participants.  It does not shy away from some of the difficulties present with genetic engineering: the necessity of euthanizing extraneous animals, the possibilities of pollen spread of genetically altered plants, and other ethical concerns.  It ends with a glossary, a list of additional sources, and an index.

This exemplary series contains various outstanding titles about scientists who work in the natural world and make science and nature study more accessible and interesting to budding naturalists.  These books offer an incredible look into hidden worlds at the frontiers of human knowledge.  The text is clearly written and the awesome photographs are carefully presented and enhance the text.  It is highly recommended for middle- and high-school libraries.

Summary: Spider silk is stronger than steel, stronger than Kevlar and, possibly, a major material of the future to be used in multiple applications from medical to military.  Written in an engaging manner, this book describes how transgenic goats are produced and how their milk is treated to isolate the spider silk proteins in it.  The book also reviews the similar processes used in altering the DNA of alfalfa, bacteria, and silk worms to produce spider silk.      

Genetic engineering, Spiders                                      --Susan Ogintz