The Israeli Desert Scorpion, scientifically known as Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus and frequently nicknamed the Death Stalker, is a particularly nasty species of scorpion whose venom contains potent neurotoxins. In an unusual twist of irony, the deadly venom of this scorpion may actually hold the power to improve the lives of cystic fibrosis sufferers. Research is underway through a joint venture of Hungarian, Canadian, and American scientists who hope to prove that GaTx1, a substance found in the venom, will help carry chloride ions in and out of cells in the same way that the venom carries neurotoxins through the bodies of the scorpion’s victims. The study, which is still in its early stages, is a prime example of how science can take a potentially harmful substance and turn it in to something beneficial. It will be interesting to see how this one turns out.
Read more about conventional and alternative treatments of cystic fibrosis.
