Research into Australian skinks’ resistance to snake venom could streamline design of antivenoms

Changes to a critical muscle receptor confers immunity in a fashion similar to that of the mongoose, which is resistant to cobra venom

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Australian skinks have evolved the means to resist snake venom by shutting down their muscles, suggests new research, which could help to inform future treatments for snakebites.

Research led by the University of Queensland has found that multiple species of Australian skink have evolved venom resistance through changes to a critical muscle receptor.