Genetically modified worms can now produce and deliver drugs inside a living body, scientists say

A close up of two translucent worms against an orange background.

Scientists genetically tweaked a tiny, worm-like parasite to produce a life-saving antitoxin from inside a living host.

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers modified the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum so that it produces antibodies that partially neutralize the potent pufferfish poison tetrodotoxin.