A protein from spider venom may prevent damage to the brain after a stroke, according to new research. A stroke is a very dangerous thing that happens to the brain when the blood flow stops, or there is bleeding in the brain. Every two seconds a person in the world dies from a stroke. If the news about the spider-cure turns out to be true, we could be in for a better future.
Scientists have stated that a special spider venom has ‘great promise as a future stroke treatment.’ Venom from the Funnel Web Spider (the deadliest spider in Australia) could hold the key to creating the first treatment for brain damage caused by a stroke.
A protein found in the venom of this poisonous spider was discovered to be a source of protection for brain cells after stroke in lab rats, according to scientists. Researchers from the University of Maryland and Monash University captured three Funnel Web Spider, whose bite can kill you in 15 minutes. They used pipettes to extract the venom of a spider which they then analysed and spotted the protein named Hi1a.