King Group

Dr Yanni Chin has been chosen as a Superstar of STEM for her research studying molecules found in venom.

Venom expert is STEM superstar

Published on: 11 December 2018

An IMB structural biologist and toxinologist studying molecules found in venom has been named a STEM superstar for inspiring women to get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Centipede toxins are giving researchers insights into the evolution of peptides.

Centipede toxin sheds light on the evolution of proteins

Published on: 20 December 2018

An ancient class of peptides which likely originated near the dawn of cellular life has been discovered by University of Queensland researchers in the venom of centipedes.

Professor Glenn King has received funding from the Queensland Government to undertake research on stroke in collaboration with Chinese colleagues.

Spider stroke research receives collaborative funding

Published on: 31 October 2018

A project using molecules from spider venom to develop improved treatments for chronic pain and stroke will be undertaken by Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) Professor Glenn King in partnership with University of Science and Technology of China, after receiving funding from the Queensland Government.

Funnel-web spider. Credit: Sharath J Vois/iStock.

Fatal spider venom could protect against post-stroke brain damage

Published on: 3 September 2018

Professor Glenn King and partners have discovered a peptide in the venom of funnel-web spiders that could drastically reduce brain damage following stroke.

90 seconds with... Professor Glenn King

Professor Glenn King is using the world's largest collection of venoms to hunt for treatments to three pervasive nervous system disorders: chronic pain, epilepsy and stroke, as well as new eco-friendly insecticides.

The venom of Heteroscodra maculata contains molecules that could help treat Dravet Syndrome, a devastating form of childhood epilepsy. Credit: Bastian Rast.

Spider venom strikes a blow against childhood epilepsy

Published on: 6 August 2018

A peptide from the venom of the spider Heteroscoda maculata can restore the neural deficiencies that trigger seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, a devastating form of childhood epilepsy.

Cells called sensory neurons transmit pain signals and can be studied to help us develop treatments and learn more about chronic pain.

Video: What is chronic pain and how can animal venom help?

One in five people worldwide suffer from chronic pain. But what is it, and how can the venom from creatures such as spiders and cone snails help us treat this debilitating condition?

Australian funnel web (H. infensa). Credit: Bastian Rast.

UQ #1 in Australia in influential Nature index

Published on: 8 June 2018

The University of Queensland is the top-ranked institution in Australia in this year’s Nature Index of high-quality research outputs.

Severe seizures in young children can be terrifying, but they can be managed. Alex Proimos/Flickr, CC BY-SA

Explainer: what is Dravet syndrome and how can it be managed?

Published on: 26 March 2018

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in children and it takes the form of recurring seizures. But epilepsy is not a single disease; rather, it is a diverse spectrum of disorders that comprise many types of seizures.

Spider silk is a bit like a cross between steel and rubber. Mai Lam/The Conversation NY-BD-CC, CC BY-SA

What are spider webs made from and how strong are they?

Published on: 5 March 2018

Spider webs are made from silk. And silk is made from something scientists call “proteins”. Proteins are special chemicals made by a living thing - like an animal or a plant. You have lots of them in your body. Proteins usually have a certain job to do.