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News tagged with cone snail

Slow snails, fast genes: Predatory snails refine venoms through continuous gene duplication

(Phys.org) -- When tropical marine cone snails sink their harpoon-like teeth into their prey, they inject paralyzing venoms made from a potent mix of more than 100 different neurotoxins.

Biology / Biotechnology

created Apr 10, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 3 | with audio podcast

Researcher shows how cone snails developed poison gland from spare gut parts

(PhysOrg.com) -- Canadian Louise Page, associate professor at the University of Victoria, BC, has solved a mystery that has perplexed zoologists since early 19th century naturalists first wondered if venomous ...

Biology / Plants & Animals

created May 20, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 24 | with audio podcast report

Cone snail venom controls pain

Components of the venom from marine cone snails can block the transmission of signals between nerve cells in minute quantities. This makes them potentially suitable for use as a novel analgesic. Researchers ...

Chemistry / Materials Science

created Apr 04, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Cone of poison: The secret behind the cone snail's venom pump

Scientists have discovered the secret of how an amazing sea snail injects its venom after shooting a harpoon-like tooth into its prey -- or some unlucky swimmer -- at jetliner speeds. The creatures, called cone snails, use ...

Chemistry / Materials Science

created Oct 27, 2010 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Snail venoms reflect reduced competition

A study of venomous snails on remote Pacific islands reveals genetic underpinnings of an ecological phenomenon that has fascinated scientists since Darwin.

Biology / Evolution

created May 20, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Gifts from the Gila monster

Who would have thought that Gila monster saliva would be the inspiration for a blockbuster new drug for Type 2 diabetes? Or that medicines for chronic pain, heart attacks, high blood pressure and stroke would emerge from ...

Chemistry / Other

created Jun 01, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0