venom

A peptide found in bull ant venom closely resembles a hormone of its primary predator, triggering hypersensitivity and making subsequent bites even more painful than the ones that came before.

In work that has not yet been peer-reviewed, researchers present evidence that microbes can and do live inside the venom glands of several dangerous species. It remains unclear whether they’re to blame for infections linked to bites.

The Scientist Social Club sat down with the author.

The Scientist spoke to marine biologist Tim Lynch, who dusted off 25-year-old data from his PhD to figure out why olive sea snakes approach divers so often. He says the animals, especially the males, likely confuse people for potential mates.

The same toxin targets different receptors in prey and conspecifics to deliver either a lethal or non-lethal blow.

A newly engineered CAR T cell that incorporates a peptide isolated from the venom of the deathstalker scorpion has broad brain tumor–binding capabilities that will be investigated in an upcoming clinical trial.

A mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis reveals that a tiny protein in scorpion venom can deliver steroids to affected joints.

Selected Images of the Day from the-scientist.com

Decades after their discovery by bioprospectors, amphibian-derived analgesics continue to attract scientific attention.

If successful, the treatments could alleviate patients’ pain by reducing inflammation.

Compounds in the arachnids’ venom interact with ion channels to both cause and block pain.

Arachnids harbor a plentiful array of molecules that target mammalian pain receptors.

Venomous centipedes may harbor a clue to the creation of a successful pain-killing compound for humans.

Studying cone snail venom has yielded novel pain pathways, but the peptides that function as toxins are difficult to translate into drugs.

A cornucopia of toxins in the animal kingdom could provide inspiration for novel painkillers, but so far, effective drugs have proven elusive.
 

Painful snake bites may hold clues to developing analgesic drugs.

Cone snail venom researcher Mandë Holford discusses the therapeutic potential of toxins found in animals.

The Sakishima habu (pitviper; Protobothrops elegans) can compensate for inept traits in the chemical composition of its venom by overdosing its prey.

Poisonous fang blennies (Meiacanthus) are only around 2 inches long but, with their tiny fangs, they can inject predators with a venom that has potent hypotensive effects.