Category Archives: fashion

Living With Synthetic Spider Silk

Posted on September 8, 2016 by jjneal

Arthropod silks are proteins. They can be produced through genetic engineering technology as a mass of protein in bioreactors. When arthropods produce silk strands they force the protein through a structure known as a spinnerette. The physical forces on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, fashion | 1 Comment

Perfume That Repels

Posted on July 7, 2016 by jjneal

Mosquito season in the US has arrived.  People who would otherwise worry more about harmful effects of mosquito repellents have turned their worries to Zika. The four most effective mosquito repellents are DEET, Picardin, IR3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, fashion, Pest Management, Zika | 2 Comments

Insect Repellent In Vogue

Posted on June 28, 2016 by jjneal

For the Zika Summer of 2016, insect repellent is in vogue, and also in Vogue magazine. Kari Molvar writes in Vogue, What’s the Best Bug Spray to Use in the Age of Zika? The Pros Weigh In Don’t spray your … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, fashion, Health, Zika | 1 Comment

Fashion Danger

Posted on March 20, 2016 by jjneal

The Miss Uñas beauty salon in Durango, Mexico has launched a fingernail fashion statement. To provide that exotic and dangerous look, immature scorpions, Centruroides suffusus, are glued to fingernails as decorations. Care must be used in handling the venomous scorpions … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, by jjneal, fashion | Leave a comment

Spring Fashion “Bug Out”

Posted on February 21, 2016 by jjneal

Spring is only 4 weeks away which means: Spring Fashion Time. Elle is reporting that the Spring 2016 fashion buzz is, “Bug Out”. Insect motifs are appearing on brooches, bags, clothing and even shoes. An example is the sandal (pictured left) … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, fashion | 1 Comment

Silk-Worm Fashion

Posted on May 10, 2015 by jjneal

Silk production is the second largest insect industry after honey bees.  Silk is made by silkworm caterpillars who encase themselves with lengthy single strand as they form their cocoon.  The caterpillars are quite charming and photogenic.  At our recent BugBowl display … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, fashion | 1 Comment

Computer Bugs

Posted on March 8, 2015 by jjneal

Insects embedded in resin have been available for years, mostly marketed as displays for biology classes or paper weights. Paper weight have limited popularity because they add to desk clutter. Real Nature Handicrafts is now marketing insects in resins, not … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, by jjneal, fashion, Insect Inspired | 1 Comment