New Tech Spins Silk Like a Spider

Next hurdle: bringing it to market

(NEWSER) - Algae-based fuel is a step closer to reality. Scientists in California have genetically modified a microbe so that it can convert seaweed into biofuel, the Guardian reports. "Natural seaweed species grow very fast—10 times faster than normal plants—and are full of sugars, but it has been very difficult to make ethanol by conventional fermentation," says a researcher. The microbe breakthrough is a "critical step" toward an alternative form of ethanol, but there's still a long way to go. More»

Just ask the dancing spider, the jawfish, and the octopus

(NEWSER) - If you're a fan of animal mimicry stories, today's just like your birthday:

• Spider dance: Biologists have discovered that a male wolf spider who sees another male doing a little spider dance to attract a mate will not only mimic the moves but try to improve upon them and outdance his rival, reports Wired . See the gallery for video of one spider watching another and getting his groove on with some serious leg-tapping.

Warship fumigated after deadly shipment arrives from California

(NEWSER) - A Maine shipyard that builds all sorts of ships for the US Navy received an unexpectedly dangerous shipment from its California supplier—two dozen black widow spiders that had hitched a ride in a shipment of launch system parts. An exterminator was called to get rid of the arachnids that weren't stomped by workers, and a warehouse and part of a warship were fumigated, the Bangor Daily News reports. No one was bitten, and there were no reports of any employees receiving superpowers. More»

Treasure trove of strange new creatures discovered by scientists

(NEWSER) - No, it's not a pool toy. Researchers have discovered a new species of inflatable shark, along with more than 300 other previously unknown varieties of creatures dwelling in the Philippines. Among the finds: the shrimp-eating shark that fills itself with water to inflate and scare off predators; dozens of new insects, spiders, and armored corals; and more than 50 brightly colored sea slugs, reports LiveScience . More»

Joule Unlimited's organism absorbs sunlight, carbon dioxide, secretes fuel

(NEWSER) - A Massachusetts biotech company says it has created an organism capable of radically transforming the energy business—and the world. Joule Unlimited claims its genetically-engineered organism can create diesel fuel or ethanol using only the same ingredients grass needs to grow: sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Skeptics, however, doubt whether the firm will be able to deliver the fuels in large quantities, the AP notes. More»