Unknown Treasures Still Being Discovered

Proverbs 31:22
“She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”

Many types of insects make silk. Among them, they make many types of silk. But many of the multitude of species of the caddisfly make a very unique silk even among silk-makers.

Many species of caddisfly larvae live underwater, which is where they spin their special silk. They spin silk to surround all but their head and four legs. Then they stick underwater debris like sand and bits of leaf to the silk. This helps camouflage them as they grow. It works so well that until recently scientists didn’t realize that the caddisfly’s protective cocoon was actually formed around silk. Perhaps you have already figured out what makes this silk unique. It is not only the only silk spun underwater, but it stays sticky despite the wet environment. Scientists are studying the chemistry of the silk to learn its secrets. What they learn could help them design a surgical tape for use in the body.

That we can learn so much from the creation bespeaks a Designer. If such designs were just the result of nature mindlessly stumbling upon these solutions, chances are that mankind would also have stumbled upon them by now, too. That we can learn such knowledge and apply it to problems we face is also among the treasures our Creator has placed in the creation for us.

Prayer:
Father, I thank You that You have filled Your creation with so many treasures for us, including the treasure of knowledge. Amen.

Notes:
http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news-fly-glue-creates-bioadhesive-030110.aspx?
xmlmenuid=5, 3/1/10 “Fly Glue Creates Bioadhesive.”