Nature: Spitting cobra venom originally evolved to help the deadly snakes DEFEND themselves

Spitting cobra species first evolved the ability to spray venom from their fangs in order to defend themselves — rather than to attack prey — a study has found. Researchers from Wales found that instantly painful venoms these snakes spit was evolved from different components not once, but on three separate occasions. The venom — which … Read more

Biologists claim first evidence of oral venom glands in amphibians

A species of fanged ‘worm’ that looks like something from a horror movie is the first known amphibian with toxic dental glands, scientists say.  US and Brazilian biologists found oral glands in ringed caecilians – serpent-like amphibians related to frogs and salamanders that reach up to 17 inches long.  Researchers already knew that caecilians have poisonous tails … Read more

Sea snail venom used to create a new type of insulin for diabetes treatment

Insulin developed from the venom of a predatory sea snail could be used to create a ‘safer and more effective’ diabetes treatment, researchers claim. It mimics the ultra-fast-acting properties of the sea snail venom to lower blood sugar levels, without long-term side effects seen in other types of diabetes treatment.  University of Utah led scientists … Read more