A New Antidote For A Deadly Sting Was Developed By Scientists From Australia
NEW ANTIDOTE – Australian scientists have found a new antidote for the worlds most venomous – the Australian box jellyfish – creature’s sting.
Medical discoveries are what keeps us fighting against the deadly bites, infections and diseases brought upon us by animals, other humans, or viruses. That is why it is necessary for our scientists to keep updating the current medicines.
Recently, In Sydney, Australia, a team of researchers from University of Sydney went out to collect data about how a single box jellyfish is capable of claiming the lives of 60 adult people.
During their observation, the researchers noticed that the cholesterol in the venom is needed to terminate human cells. After noticing it, they decided to test currently available drugs to see if it could stop it.
The research team’s lead author, Raymond Lau revealed that the team tried one from the available drugs since “there are lots of drugs that target cholesterol.”
This is according to an article from GMA News.
Following the observation, the team ran tests on human cells and mice to confirm their hypothesis. They found out that the medicine could really ease the pain associated with the sting as well as stop tissue scarring as long as it is injected within fifteen minutes.
A sting from a tiny box jellyfish can cause:
- muscular pain,
- intense vomiting,
- strokes,
- heart failure,
- stiff hairs,
- and death.
As of now, the scientists have only tested on the bigger, more deadly species.
Although the drug can stop several effects associated with the sting, the scientists are still not certain if it can also ease the heart problems.
They are also applying for funding to pursue the study.
That is all there is to it, at least for now. We’ll post updates as soon as we got them.
