Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Eelemarni Close-Brown

Research into Australian skinks’ resistance to snake venom could streamline design of antivenoms

An Australian major skink (Bellatorias frerei)
The Australian major skink (Bellatorias frerei) has evolved the same venom resistance mutation as the honey badger. Photograph: Scott Eipper

Australian skinks have evolved the means to resist snake venom by shutting down their muscles, suggests new research, which could help to inform future treatments for snakebites.

Research led by the University of Queensland has found that multiple species of Australian skink have evolved venom resistance through changes to a critical muscle receptor.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.