Venom research

Spider venom stroke treatment slows damage to the brain

Researchers at IMB have uncovered a peptide sourced from spider venom that has the potential to completely change the management of stroke.

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.

How the desert bush spider could help development of human drugs and bee-friendly insecticides

From spider venom to human-friendly insecticides

Published on: 27 July 2018

Research into a toxin from the desert bush spider could lead to new treatments for conditions such as pain, cardiac arrhythmia and epilepsy, and could also advance the development of ecofriendly insecticides.

Spiders are a treasure trove of scientific wonder

Australia has an incredible diversity of native spiders, including the potentially lethal funnel-web, the ubiquitous huntsman, and the charming peacock spider.

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.

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