From robotic spiders to the best-looking endangered species to the best nature photographer, find out who won this year’s Best of Green awards in the Science category.

Photo by CRhyne

Scientists have been investigating how to mimic spider silk for years. The seemingly delicate threads actually have a tensile strength five times greater than steel, and the possibilities for using a similar material in everything from buildings to bridges to cars and even clothing, are practically infinite. The only problem is, the stuff seems to be impossible to replicate. However, researchers have uncovered a key aspect in how spiders make silk, and they may be one step closer to man-made spider silk.

The chameleon gets all the attention — but it’s not the only member of the animal kingdom that can alter its color and texture to suit its mood. From spiders that take on the color of their flower (like the one shown here) and flounder that match the sea floor to wolves that get a season…Read the full story on TreeHugger

Photo via Northrup

Spiders spend a lot of time Read the full story on TreeHugger

Photo via American Museum of Natural History

Silk tapestries. You think of worms being farmed for the material, but not necessarily spiders. Yet spider silk is a super strong and beautiful material. One company based in Madagascar, however, shows that it’s tough but possible to amass enough spider silk to make an incredible tapestry. Over 1 million spiders collected by over 70 people were hooked up to hand-powered machines where people drew the silk from the spiders. After four years of work on everyone’s part, they created this golden piece of weaving. Click through to see a …Read the full story on TreeHugger