Venom News and Research

RSS

Researchers find new class of blood pressure-regulating peptides in vampire bat venom

Vampire bats could hold the key to new treatments for a range of serious medical problems, but researchers have hit a snag accessing the specimens needed to advance their work.

17 Jan 2019

Study sheds light on the deadly venom of Mojave rattlesnakes

The Mojave rattlesnake, living in the deserts of the southwestern United States and central Mexico, is characterized by its lethal venom that can either shut down your body or tenderize your insides. Clemson University researchers say which one depends on where you're located.

16 Jan 2019

Study: Rutin found in fruits and vegetables protect mice against snake venom

Rutin, a bioflavonoid found in certain vegetables and fruits, protects mice against snake venom by minimizing bleeding and inflammation, according to a study performed at the Butantan Institute, a research institution belonging to the government of São Paulo State in Brazil.

9 Jan 2019

UA scientists uncover biological processes leading to rare brain disorder in babies

Babies born with pontocerebellar hypoplasia type Ib often do not survive past one year. Born with an underdeveloped brain, infants struggle to move, feed and even breathe.

14 Dec 2018

MIT researchers develop antimicrobial peptides from South American wasp’s venom

The venom of insects such as wasps and bees is full of compounds that can kill bacteria. Unfortunately, many of these compounds are also toxic for humans, making it impossible to use them as antibiotic drugs.

7 Dec 2018

New ointment for treating brown recluse spider bites is tested on humans

The bite from a brown recluse spider (Loxosceles) can cause skin necrosis, renal failure, and even death. A new ointment is being tested in Brazil, however. Its effects have already been proven in tests conducted in cell cultures and animal models.

29 Nov 2018

Researchers use nanoparticles to treat snake bites

Venomous snakebites affect 2.5 million people, and annually cause more than 100,000 deaths and leave 400,000 individuals with permanent physical and psychological trauma each year.

5 Oct 2018

Panel of human antibodies developed to neutralize black mamba snake toxin

IONTAS Limited, a leader in the discovery and optimisation of fully human antibodies, today announced a collaborative paper published in Nature Communications with the Technical University of Denmark, and the Instituto Clodomiro Picado of the University of Costa Rica describing the development of a panel of human antibodies that neutralise elements of black mamba snake toxin in an in vivo model.

3 Oct 2018

Red bull ant venom study could lead to better treatments for pain

Venom from the giant red bull ant is helping University of Queensland scientists understand the evolution of animal toxins in work that could lead to better treatments for pain.

14 Sep 2018

Bee venom may be effective treatment for eczema

Bee venom and its major component, melittin, may be effective treatments for atopic dermatitis (or eczema), according to a British Journal of Pharmacology study.

6 Sep 2018

Study finds tick bite meat allergy as most common cause of anaphylaxis

An increase in the Lone Star tick population since 2006, and the ability to recognize the ticks as the source of "alpha gal" allergy to red meat has meant significantly more cases of anaphylaxis being properly identified.

30 Jul 2018

New research project investigates alternative treatments for eye infections

Fight for Sight has announced funding for an innovative research project that will investigate whether compounds used to treat snake venom and bee stings could provide an alternative to antibiotics in treating eye infection.

20 Jul 2018

Research project investigates snake venom treatment as antibiotic alternative for eye infections

An innovative University of Liverpool research project that will investigate whether compounds used to treat snake venom and bee stings could provide an alternative to antibiotics in treating eye infection has been awarded £170,000 by the charity Fight for Sight.

19 Jul 2018