Why you shouldn't be scared of spiders, according to a biology professor

Sat, 12/30/2023 - 06:00

A photo montage shows a close up of a spider next to a picture of biologist Sara Goodacre. Goodacre is shown wearing white protective gear in a laboratory, looking up at scientific equipment. — Biologist Sara Goodacre, seen in this photo montage, studies spider silk for use in medicine and engineering. The spider shown here is a Salticus scenicus, which is unrelated to Goodacre's research.
School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham; Alongkot Sumritjearapol/Getty Images

A biology professor told Business Insider why you shouldn't be scared of spiders.
While a rare few can cause harm, most spiders won't hurt humans, she said.
Here's what you need to know if you're frightened of spiders.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sara Goodacre, a professor of evolutionary biology who studies how spider silk can be used in medicine and engineering. It has been edited for length and clarity.