Spider venom could be key to treating strokeBEN RUSHTON/SUPPLIED Funnel-web spiders may be able to save stroke victims. Funnel-web spider venom may one day be used to save the lives of stroke patients, new research shows. A peptide found inside the venom of Australia's Fraser Island funnel-web spider has been found to slow the death of brain cells in rats after they suffer an induced stroke. His hope is that any drug developed from the funnel-web venom can be applied by paramedics before the patient's arrival at hospital. His hope is that any drug developed from the funnel-web venom will keep neurons alive after both types of stroke as patients are taken to hospital.

Source: Stuff March 21, 2017 08:03 UTC