11.   But the initial research led him to spider silk.

12.   For instance, there is keen interest in the technological potential of spider silk, which is far stronger for its size than steel, and highly flexible.

13.   Lewis, described by others as a pioneer in the field, has spent six years studying spider silk.

14.   Spider silk has a unique combination of strength and elasticity with an ultra-lightweight fiber.

15.   Spider silk has long been admired for its strength and durability and producing it has been a goal of researcher.

16.   Such an operation could be routine one day, thanks to spider silk.

17.   Spider silk is of interest to researchers because, by weight, it is stronger than steel and tougher than the artificial fibers currently used in body armor.

18.   The resulting fiber was similar to real spider silk, though not as strong, Turner said in a telephone interview.