Scientists have unlocked the secret lock behind one of nature’s most unbearable stab wounds, clarifying how beautiful insects seem to develop chemical weapons with catastrophic accuracy. This discovery can lead to a breakthrough of pain management treatment.
Despite its name, SCAR -colored velvet ant is a hornet that really feels like a hot oil from a fryer fried all over your entire hand. However, this intense pain has an amazing twist. Poison is not particularly toxic, suggesting that evolution has created it as a deterrent, not a killing tool.
In a groundbreaking study published in biology, researchers at the University of Indiana University will target different species of pain receptors through different mechanisms and provide new insights in medical research. The method has been identified.
“Our research results suggest that velvet ants target the evolutionary distant animal pain sensation systems, including vertebrates and invertebrates such as mammals and birds, but that seems to be through various mechanisms. I will “IU” Tracey Lab of Gill Institute for Neuroscience.
The research team had a surprising discovery when analyzing a peptide called DO6A, an important factor in Venom. “DO6A is not only a very powerful activation factor in insect pain neurons, but also the most abundant peptide of the poison. This is an important factor in the evolution of the content of the venom. It means that it was there, “Bolgeong pointed out.
Using the flies of the fruit as a subject described, scientists have identified a specific nerve cell that responds to poison even with a very diluted concentration. The neuron that senses these pain, called the infringement receptor, shares the remarkable similarity with the pain receptors found in poison and other mammals, but responds to different components of poison.
“This study emphasizes the incredible accuracy of evolutionary indication,” said Dan Tracy, a professor of the Faculty of Biology and Jack Gil, Linda and Neuroscience. Masu. “Velvet ants have improved poison to utilize certain molecular targets in a way to maximize survival advantage.”
In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of poisoning, researchers tested the mantis of prayer and observed a clear evasion behavior to confirm the power of a protective weapon in the world of insects.
“Explaining how Velvet Alivenom will affect various species will provide valuable insights on pain routes with potential impact on promoting medical research.” Luana de Asis Ferrela, a postdoc researcher, states.
This means not only understand these attractive creatures, but simply extend. “Poison is a treasure trove of biological activity compounds, and studying them often leads to a breakthrough between pharmacology and medicine,” said Andrea Homan, a professor in the university’s psychological and brain science department. Ta.
The research team has understood how nerve cells react to poison using advanced imaging techniques and genetic experiments, and discovered that specific ionic channels are indispensable for their effects. When these channels were removed or inactive with fruit flies, nerve cells stopped completely to poison.
As research continues, these discoveries can lead to a new approach in the development of analgesics. “These discoveries will make it one step closer to understanding that power and perhaps using it,” concluded Tracy.
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