5 materials that could change the world

Spider silk

Now that scientists have genetically modified silkworms, those prolific thread producers, to make threads as strong as spider silk, there’s plenty for everyone. That means spinning garments that are, by weight, ten times stronger than Kevlar. Or – looking at it the other way around – we could soon have thin jumpers that can withstand gunshots. Finally the, ahem, weigh-up between heavy armour and agility won’t be a factor as police and soldiers can remain light and flexible with armour strong enough to withstand a stabbing or close-range shotgun blast. Predictably, we're waiting for the version in Spider-Man red and blue.