Australia studies spider venom to treat breast cancer

Queensland State Science Secretary (Australia) Ros Bates said scientists in the country are working on a groundbreaking study of spider venom for the treatment of breast cancer.

Large spider feather leaves (Tarantulas)

Speaking at a forum last weekend, Ms. Bates pointed out that scientists at James Cook University in Cairns, North Queensland will determine whether the Web Funnel venom and large spider hairs (Tarantulas) have Can kill cancer cells through research or not.

Bates said the work supports previous international studies that some toxins in spider venom can produce new natural molecules that kill breast cancer cells.

In a statement, Bates said: "With more than 40,000 species of spiders, there are an estimated 4 million different toxins in spider venom. Now these toxins will be tested and investigated to determine the potential for treatment. cancer in humans ".

She affirmed that the work mentioned by James Cook University researchers strengthened Queensland's leading position in science around the world.