There are plenty literary references to spider silk and the gossamer qualities of fairy clothing and magic thread. However, due to the efforts of two scientists, we are closer to making those analogies reality. The process? A particular breed of malicious looking spider was captured and then restrained in a machine that "milks" the silk. Afterwards, they were released, but the golden filaments were twisted into highly elastic threads and woven into this stunning panel, extremely strong and soft as cashmere. Let PETA chew on that for awhile.

Here's the NPR article with audio.