IMB Centre for Pain Research

Spider venom holds key to addiction-free pain killers

Published on: 15 April 2020

Molecules in tarantula venom could be used as an alternative to opioid pain killers for people seeking chronic pain relief.

The science of chronic pain

Imagine waking up every day wondering if you are going to have a ‘good pain day' or a ‘bad pain day'? That is the harsh reality of those who suffer the perils of chronic pain.

A sample of estuarine mud taken 16 years ago has yielded a potential new class of painkiller.

New class of painkiller found in the mud

Published on: 15 October 2019

Mud taken from an estuarine nearly 20 years ago could hold the secret to a new painkiller.

The key to discovering new antibiotics and other drugs may lie in the inter-kingdom chemical warfare between fungi and bacteria, according to new research from the University of Queensland (UQ).

Microbial beach warfare key to new drug discoveries

Published on: 13 November 2018

The key to discovering new antibiotics and other drugs may lie in the inter-kingdom chemical warfare between fungi and bacteria, according to new research from the University of Queensland (UQ).

Bull ant venom could put the bite on pain

Published on: 13 September 2018

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

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.

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?

Animal venoms don’t just cause pain, they may soon be a cure for it too

Bites or stings from venomous animals or insects can be dangerous; they lead to numerous fatalities globally each year despite the development of antivenoms that can neutralise many of their worst effects.

Purple tarantula bird spider. Credit: Shutterstock/Lucasz Kowalkowski.

Next-gen painkillers from nature’s deadliest life forms

Published on: 23 July 2018

Researchers are figuring out how to manipulate venom extracted from some of the deadliest species in the world, to combat the various forms of pain we experience.

What to do if you burn yourself

Burns are one of the most common injuries, affecting as many as 200,000 Australians each year. This is what to do if a burn occurs.