A North Dakota scientist might be close to harnessing the abilities of spiders. But a Utah researcher says it’ll likely be difficult to mass produce.

(Dan Gunderson/Minnesota Public Radio via AP) In this May 8, 2018, photo, North Dakota State University assistant professor Amanda Brooks displays a device she says can mimic the thin fibers spiders spin, on campus in Fargo, N.D. Brooks has applied for a patent on this simple device, and has developed a process for creating synthetic spider silk in her lab.