In a new study that focuses on joining music, a spider's web, and technology, researchers from MIT have translated the structure of a web into music. Whenever the spider stretches a silk strand or the wind moves through the web, the said vibrations occur, and as someone with a deep interest in music. This fact made researchers wonder whether they could extract rhythms and melodies from the spider webs. They scanned a spider web with a laser to capture 2D cross-sections. Computer algorithms were used to reconstruct the web’s 3D network. Various frequencies of sound were assigned to strands of the web, thus creating notes that, when combined, create melodies based on the web's structure.
Afterward, a harp-like instrument was created to play the spider web music. They also made a virtual reality setup that allowed people to see and take a listen inside the web. Moreover, to learn more about the web building process of the spiders, the construction process was also scanned, and each stage was transformed into music. In another experiment, the researchers examined the sound changes inside the web when confronted with forces such as stretching. This study not only sounds pleasant to the ear, but also could see possible utilization in building 3D printers that build complex microelectronics and across-species communication.
More information:
https://interestingengineering.com/science/scientists-made-music-from-the-structure-of-a-spider-web