Computer artwork showing the effects of chloral hydrate (C2.H.C13.O) on the the web-making ability of Garden Spiders (Araneus diadematus). A normal orb web (left) is designed to capture prey. It is made of tough, non-sticky, radiating silk threads interconnected by an elastic, sticky spiral thread (hub). After construction, the spider will remove the central hub and remain there waiting for prey. A fresh web is usually constructed every 1-2 days and typically takes one hour to complete. A spider fed on chloral hydrate-dosed flies produces an incomplete web (right), with the spiral hub completely absent. Chloral hydrate is a sedative used for the treatment of insomnia. Originally published in NASA Tech Briefs, April 1995.