cIAP1 undergoes a dramatic conformational change during activation that is now shown to be due to the dynamic and metastable nature of the closed form of the enzyme. The discovery of such a striking ...

When filaree seeds ripen and burst, they are launched with an inbuilt spring. Scientists have now discovered that the inbuilt spring stores energy as the seed head dries and can flick the seed as far ...

Spring-loaded plungers use a spring and a plunger (or ball tip) to exert a precise and repeatable force. They are a better option than having engineers cobble together an assembly that uses a simple, ...

Different species of spiders produce different silks that serve different purposes, from floating on air to cradling eggs. The triangle weaver spider, Hyptiotes cavatus, weaves and holds a three-sided ...

Close-up of Hyptiotes cavatus spider holding triangle web support line with front legs keeping web open, while using back legs to secure anchor line. When back legs release anchor line, spider and web ...