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Next-Generation Sequencer Enhances Genetic Research at UT Arlington

The North Texas Genome Center (NTGC) at UT Arlington is getting an upgrade in the form of a next-generation genetic sequencer that will allow researchers to study genetic links between health and disease at a large scale.

16 Oct 2024

Unveiling the Enzymatic Riches of Spider Venoms

Spiders, as venomous creatures, employ their chemical arsenal for prey acquisition or self-defense. Their venom contains small neurotoxins that target the central nervous system of their targets.

8 Oct 2024

The Promise of Venomous Crustaceans in Drug Development

Many animals use venoms for self-defense or hunting. The components of such venom, known as toxins, interfere with various physiological processes - which is also the reason why they are so interesting for the development of new pharmacological agents.

7 Oct 2024

Novel Tool Helps Identify Snake Venom Genes Across Species

Only about ten percent of the world's roughly 4,000 snake species have venom strong enough to seriously hurt a human, but that's enough for snake bites to be an important public health concern.

20 Sep 2024

Cryo-EM Reveals Structural Differences in Fetal and Adult Muscle Receptors

The connections between the nervous system and muscles develop differently across the kingdom of life. It takes newborn humans roughly a year to develop the proper muscular systems that support the ability to walk, while cows can walk mere minutes after birth and run not long after.

1 Aug 2024

Researchers Discover Genes Key to Spitting Cobra Venom's Cytotoxicity

Functional genomics to dissect and understand the cytotoxicity of spitting cobra venom and define the genetic interactions between the venom and the target to develop a locally acting antidote.

25 Jul 2024

Human Antibodies Offer Hope for Improved Black Widow Antivenom

Sera produced from horses can be used to treat serious illnesses caused by black widow bites. But this approach is not totally secure. To address this, scientists have produced entirely human antibodies that are capable of neutralizing the European black widow's alpha-latrotoxin.

13 Jun 2024

LSTM Scientists Discover Treatment for Tissue Damage by African Spitting Cobra Venom

Scientists at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) have discovered a groundbreaking new snakebite treatment to prevent the devastating tissue damage caused by African spitting cobra venom.

11 May 2024

Colossal Biosciences and University of Melbourne Partner to Save Northern Quolls from Invasive Cane Toads

Today scientists from Colossal Biosciences, the world’s first de-extinction company, and the University of Melbourne announce a major step forward in the effort to save Australia’s endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) from the invasive cane toad.

11 May 2024

Novel Peptides from South American Bushmaster and Pit Viper

The venom of the South American bushmaster, a resident of tropical rainforests, and the pit viper Cotiara, which lives in southern Brazil, both contain fragments of hemorrhagic toxins that may be used to treat high blood pressure.

8 Jan 2024

Jellyfish are More Advanced Than Previously Thought

The enormous evolutionary success of jellyfish is clear after more than 500 million years on Earth. Nonetheless, they were always seen as primitive creatures with limited learning ability.

25 Sep 2023

Case Study Highlights Challenges of Accessing Venom Immunotherapy for Fire Ant Allergies

A recent case study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice highlights the challenges faced by families seeking venom immunotherapy for fire ant allergies.

28 Aug 2023

Texas A&M Research Provides a Definitive Answer to the Evolutionary Timeline of Mammals

Research led by a team of scientists from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences puts to bed the heated scientific debate regarding the history of mammal diversification as it relates to the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs.

2 May 2023

Prototype treatment shows great potential in neutralizing snake toxins from multiple species

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.

24 Feb 2023

Venomtech announces new drug development collaboration with Charles River

Venomtech is collaborating with Charles River Laboratories, International Inc. to help drug developers explore venom-derived compounds for a wide range of therapeutic targets.

12 Apr 2022

Tropical sea anemone stings could hold key to new pain-relieving drugs

QUT PhD researcher Lauren Ashwood has studied sea anemones' venom makeup extensively, in particular, Telmatactis stephensoni a reef-based sea anemone that can grow from 8 to 10 cm.

8 Feb 2022

Research identifies genes involved in the production of scorpion venom

A team of international researchers discovered an inventive, animal-friendly means for investigating venom genes.

19 Nov 2021

Study outlines the advantages of organoids for basic research into coronaviruses

Scientists created an organoid biobank to investigate the genes that are vital for the spreading of a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

21 Sep 2021

An outlook on latest trends in peptide drug discovery and development

Currently, there are more than 80 peptide drugs on the global market and about twice as many in clinical development. Due to their beneficial properties, these biomolecules play already an important role in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hormone disorders, HIV infection, and multiple sclerosis.

11 Feb 2021

Venom of Tiger Rattlesnakes may advance genetic science

Among all rattlesnake species, the Tiger Rattlesnake has the simplest yet most lethal venom. Now, a new study performed by a team of researchers can describe the genetics behind the venomous bite of the Tiger Rattlesnake.

21 Jan 2021