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Helical
A helix is a shape, like a corkscrew or a spiral shell. Our DNA molecules form a double helix.
In biology, you can see how the fibres of a glass sea sponge are not just created vertically and horizontally, fibres also spiral round helically to help resist the deep-water currents.
In textiles we create yarn from fibres by braiding, knitting or twisting them. This keeps the fibres in place.
Biology can teach us how we can create strength using helical structures.
IN BIOLOGY...
The Euplectella aspergillum is a type of glass sea sponge is primarily made of fine glass, which is a brittle material that crumbles easily.
Rather than make itself strong by forming a solid glass structure the sea sponge uses not only vertical and horizontal but also diagonal helical shaped ribs. This helical design forms a structure that prevents the glass sea sponge from collapsing under pressure and twisting from the deep-water currents.
BIO-INSPIRED TEXTILES OVERVIEW
