Spider Venom may Offer Pain Relief

Researchers have revealed that spider venom may contain a long-sought secret ingredient for an effective, long-term painkiller. In lab-dish tests, seven compounds obtained from venom blocked a protein crucial for transmitting the sensation of pain to the human brain. "The hunt for a medicine based on just one of these compounds, which would open up a new class of potent painkillers, is now a step closer," said a statement issued with the study published ...