Spiders can be an uncomfortable presence for many people, but thanks to a new development, their silk is set to enhance nerve repair to a level not previously achievable. 

Newrotex, a medical device start-up with founders from the University of Oxford, is using spider silk within the human body to support the repair of damage to the peripheral nervous system, covering all nerves outside of the brain and spine.

Nerve damage frequently occurs from trauma, and only 60% of people who suffer a nerve injury return to work within a year. Nerve damage can also be caused by reconstructive surgery, such as tumour removal – an acceptable risk, though the consequences of nerve damage can be significant.