Detecting how the cone snail makes a 'dead blow'

When approaching the prey, the conical snail will release the amount of poison that almost immediately paralyzes the victim, cyanosis .

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Scientists have recently discovered how cone snail destroys enemies. It is to release a poison that is enough for 10 individuals to be paralyzed on the spot.

This conch has a colorful, conical shell with the scientific name Conus geographus, about 10 - 15cm long, often found in coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean.

While not directly attacking humans, if anyone accidentally provokes them, the cones will defend themselves by pointing "arrows" containing venom to their opponents.

The venom of the conical snail is very strong and complex, collectively called conotoxins - the most powerful toxin in the world. When approaching the prey, the snail will release a hook, sting and paralyze them.

This powerful poison will almost instantly cause the victim to be paralyzed, shivering, cyanosis, blurred vision and stopping breathing after only a few hours.

Experts have investigated this type of toxin more closely and found, in solution containing a mixture of neurotoxins and a component of insulin.

Experimenting on fish, experts found that the protein sequence in this insulin was shorter than normal, which resulted in a significant reduction in the blood sugar of adult zebrafish fish. When injected into water, it also reduces the movement of fish larvae.

American scientist - Professor Baldomero Olivera of the University of Utah said: "This discovery has provided us with a new and unique type of insulin." Experts are still studying the venom of cones - one of the most powerful toxins in the world.