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