Scientists have unlocked the secrets behind nature’s most incredible tingling, and reveal how a chemical weapon that deceives beautiful insects is deployed with devastating accuracy. This discovery may lead to breakthroughs in pain management and treatment.
Despite the name of the scarlet velvet ants, it is actually a wasp. His tingling feels like “hot oil overflowing from deep fried.” However, this strong pain brings a surprising turning point-toxicity is not particularly toxic, which shows that evolution is designed for deterrence rather than killing tools.
In a pioneering study published in the current biology, researchers at the University of Indiana University in Broomon have determined how this extraordinary venom targets the pain receptors of different species, thereby providing medical research with providing medical research New insights.
“Our research results show that velvet ants have a pain system for evolving distant animals, including vertebrates, such as mammals and birds, and other insects, but it can do this through different mechanisms,” Lydia Borjon Explanation, “Lydia Borjon explained. The Trysey Laboratory of IU Gil neurology Institute.
The research team made surprising discoveries when analyzing the key components of venom (a peptide called DO6A). “Do6A is not only a very strong insect pain neuron activist, but also the richest peptide in venom. This means that the defense of other insects is an important factor in the evolution of venom content.” Borjon pointed out.
Scientists use fruit flies as testing subjects and find that even under extreme dilution concentrations, they will respond to specific nerve cells that respond to venom. The pain sensitivity of the pain of the damage sensor is significant similar to the pain receptors found in humans and other mammals, although they respond to different components of toxicity.
“This study emphasizes the incredible accuracy of evolution adaptation,” said the college professor, Linda and Chairman of Jack Gill neuroscience. “The velvet ant has perfected its venom, using specific molecular targets in a way to maximizes its survival advantages.”
In order to prove the effectiveness of venom as a deterrent force, the researchers tested it to prevent prayer and observe clear avoidance behaviors. These behaviors confirmed their defensive weapons in the insect world.
The post -doctoral researcher Luana De Assis Ferreira said: “How to explore how the velvet ants affect different species, it provides valuable insights for the pain of pain, and may have a potential impact on medical research.”
The meaning is not just to understand these charming creatures. Professor Andrea Hohmann, a professor of psychology and brain science at the college, added: “Venom is a treasure trove of biological activity compounds, and studying them usually lead to breakthroughs in pharmacology and medicine.”
The research team uses advanced imaging technology and genetic experiments to understand the response of nerve cells to venom, and find that specific ion channels are essential for it. When these channels are removed or disabled in fruit flies, nerve cells stop responding to venom.
With the continuation of research, these findings may lead to new methods for developing painkillers. Trysey concluded: “With these discoveries, we are closer to understanding and even use its power.”
If you find this work useful, consider supporting our work through one -time or monthly donations. Your contribution allows us to continue to bring you the accuracy that you can trust, and to be deeply scientific and medical news. Independent reports take time, energy and resources, and your support makes us likely to continue to explore stories important to you. Together, we can ensure that important discoveries and development attracts them the most.
