Scientists Discover Australian Lizards Have Mutations to Resist Snake Venom—and One Day, That Could Help Humans

Scientists found the gene that makes Aussie skinks immune to deadly snake venom

Australian skinks have developed a remarkable genetic defense against venomous snake bites by mutating a key muscle receptor, making them resistant to neurotoxins. These tiny but powerful molecular changes mirror those found in cobra-resistant mammals like mongooses and honey badgers. This evolutionary arms race not only shows how adaptable life can be but also offers exciting possibilities for creating new antivenoms and therapies in human medi…

Scientists Discover Australian Lizards Have Mutations to Resist Snake Venom—and One Day, That Could Help Humans

A new study looking at how skinks have evolved to block venom from reaching their muscles could guide development of new antivenoms

Australia’s Major Skink Has Evolved to Resist Snake Venom - Reptiles Magazine

The Australian major skink (Bellatorias frerei) have evolved to resist snake venom by developing mutations in the muscle receptors that block venom from binding to the receptors, according to a study by the University of Queensland. The receptor is that area in the muscles that venom usually attacks by binding to it and block the nerve-muscle communication, which in turn leads to paralysis and death. The evolution has blocked the venom from shut…

How Aussie Skinks Outsmart Deadly Snake Venom

In a groundbreaking study led by researchers at the University of Queensland, scientists have uncovered an extraordinary evolutionary adaptation in Australian skinks that enables these reptiles to survive encounters with venomous snakes. Through precise molecular modifications, these lizards have developed a form of