5 Animals with Venom Used in Medical Research

4. The Deathstalker Scorpion and Cancer Research

The deathstalker scorpion, Leiurus quinquestriatus, is known for its potent venom, which has shown promise in cancer research. Researchers have isolated a peptide called chlorotoxin from its venom, which has the ability to bind specifically to cancerous cells in the brain. This property is being explored for use in imaging and targeting cancer cells, offering a novel approach to diagnosing and treating brain tumors. The specificity of chlorotoxin in targeting malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue exemplifies the potential of venom components in developing more precise and less invasive cancer therapies.