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Scripps Research scientists develop an antibody that blocks lethal snake toxins

Scripps Research scientists have developed an antibody that can block the effects of lethal toxins in the venoms of a wide variety of snakes found throughout Africa, Asia and Australia.

21 Feb 2024

Spider venom molecule meets benchmarks to treat heart attack and stroke

A spider venom molecule being investigated by a University of Queensland team has met critical benchmarks towards becoming a treatment for heart attack and stroke.

16 Jan 2024

Research uncovers why antibodies can boost snake venom

What makes a soldier switch sides? That is a really good question. Especially when the soldier is an antibody that is supposed to defend the body against one of the world's most dangerous snake venoms but instead ends up helping the venom kill the body.

16 Jan 2024

Novel drug combinations could protect snakebite victims from devastating injuries

New drug combinations could protect snakebite victims from the devastating, life-changing injuries caused by toxic venom, promising new research led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine suggests.

14 Dec 2023

Could a genetic biomarker predict your risk for severe food allergies?

Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have identified a genetic biomarker, α-tryptase, that may predict the severity of food allergy reactions. This discovery opens the door for new treatment strategies and offers a way to distinguish patients at risk for severe reactions.

21 Sep 2023

Embracing nature's medicine: exploring medicinal plants for diabetes treatment

Researchers described 20 medicinal plants, their bioactive phytochemical components, therapeutic potential, modes of action, and prospects and ability to combat diabetes mellitus.

27 Jul 2023

Surprising ancestry of caterpillar venom could be key to delivery of lifesaving drugs

Researchers at The University of Queensland have discovered the venom of a notorious caterpillar has a surprising ancestry and could be key to the delivery of lifesaving drugs.

10 Jul 2023

Molecule found in the venomous toadfish controls lung inflammation in mice

A molecule found in the venomous toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri has proved capable of controlling lung inflammation and could be the basis for a more effective asthma drug.

13 Jun 2023

Bee venom nanoparticles: Buzzworthy breakthrough in battling antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Study aimed to test the antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of bee venom-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (BV-loaded CS-NPs) against Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that BV-loaded CS-NPs had enhanced antibacterial activity and minimal cytotoxicity, making it a promising antibiotic alternative.

24 Apr 2023

Clinical trial shows promising results for oral psoriasis treatment

A company launched from The University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) has passed an important milestone in developing an oral treatment for the common skin disease psoriasis.

15 Mar 2023

New prototype treatment proves effective against the venom of African and Asian elapid snakes

Prototype treatment for snake bite envenoming proves effective against the venom of African and Asian elapid snakes, such as some cobra, mamba, and krait species, new research shows.

23 Feb 2023

Mystical and insightful psychedelic experience may be linked to positive mental health outcomes

A more mystical and insightful psychedelic drug experience may be linked to an enduring reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, according to a new study.

23 Feb 2023

Armed with hashtags, these activists made insulin prices a presidential talking point

Hannah Crabtree got active on Twitter in 2016 to find more people like herself: those with Type 1 diabetes who'd hacked their insulin pumps to automatically adjust the amount of insulin delivered.

15 Feb 2023

Researcher contextualizes a study on IgG4 anti-Spike levels after repeated SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination

A researchers emphasized the need to reconsider mRNA COVID-19 vaccination strategies in the future,

9 Feb 2023

Gut hormone receptor polyagonists show promise for obesity and diabetes

A new paper in the Journal of Clinical Investigation describes drugs that could help lose weight and manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

6 Feb 2023

Mild bee venom appears to be more usable for pharmacology

Honeybee venom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an anti-inflammatory. Only its main component, melittin, has been scientifically well researched.

20 Dec 2022

Study documents the first evidence for defensive roles of male genitalia

Predation can lead to the evolution of defensive devices in prey animals. Genitalia, which are used for mating between males and females, have rarely been considered to function as an important anti-predator defense.

19 Dec 2022

Scientists discover new potential mechanism for vision loss

Visual cells in the human retina may not simply die in some diseases, but are mechanically transported out of the retina beforehand.

1 Dec 2022

Harnessing the natural potential of venom for drug discovery

Steven Trim, Founder and Cheif Scientific Officer at Venomtech, tells NewsMedical how UK-based Venomtech® harnesses the power of naturally-produced venoms obtained from a collection of nearly 200 species of spiders, scorpions, and centipedes to create compound libraries for drug discovery.

From INTEGRA Biosciences 14 Nov 2022

New Zealand nettle tree toxins hold clues for future pain medication

Researchers at The University of Queensland have found that a native New Zealand stinging tree produces toxins that could hold clues for future pain medication.

27 Jul 2022