Death disruptor: how an Australian funnel-web spider may help human hearts

University of Queensland researchers are investigating if protein in venom of Fraser Island spider can stop cardiac cells dyingA protein in the venom of adeadly Australian funnel-web spider may be able to reduce cardiac damage from heart attacks and extend the life of donor hearts used in transplants, according to new research.Venom from the Fraser Island funnel-web, named for the south-east Queensland island where it is found, contains aprotein known as Hi1a.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Heart disease Science Medical research Australia news Queensland Source Type: news