Australian skinks’ venom resistance reveals genetic secrets that could lead to life-saving snakebite treatments: Study
Australian skinks possess a remarkable natural immunity to deadly snake venom, stemming from a genetic mutation in a critical muscle receptor. This adaptation, which prevents neurotoxins from causing paralysis, evolved independently across numerous skink lineages and even in honey badgers. This discovery offers promising avenues for developing innovative human antivenoms and therapies.
Australian skinks possess a remarkable natural immunity to deadly snake venom, stemming from a genetic mutation in a critical muscle receptor. This adaptation, which prevents neurotoxins from causing paralysis, evolved independently across numerous skink lineages and even in honey badgers. This discovery offers promising avenues for developing innovative human antivenoms and therapies.
