What’s the science behind venom and poison?

A near miss with a tiger snake on Clinton's morning run sparks a deep dive into the world of nature’s chemical weaponry. First used for defence and hunting millions of years ago, these substances are now unlocking new medical breakthroughs. Clinton and Stacey explore the science behind venoms, poisons, and toxins, from the neurotoxins of tiger snakes to the lethal dose (LD50) of poison dart frogs. From the role of horses in antivenom production, to the surprising medicinal uses of cone snail venom, this episode unravels the fascinating science of these powerful substances and why Australia is home to so many venomous creatures.

Curriculum Links

Classification and Characteristics of Living Things: Discussion of venomous and poisonous animals, their unique adaptations, and classification (snakes, frogs, jellyfish, etc.).

Ecology and Ecosystems: Exploration of Australia's unique environment and how it has led to a high concentration of venomous species, predator-prey relationships, ecological niches, and evolutionary pressures.

Biology and Physiology: Examination of venoms, poisons, and toxins, their effects on the body (neurotoxins, procoagulants, myotoxins, cytotoxins), and the physiological responses to them (paralysis, hemorrhaging, cardiac arrest).

Toxicology: Understanding of lethal doses (LD50), the differences between venomous and poisonous, and the effects of various toxins.

Chemistry: Discussion of chemical compounds in venoms and poisons, and how they interact with biological systems.

Medical Science and Pharmacology: Exploration of antivenom production, the use of venoms in drug development (painkillers, Botox), and the medicinal uses of natural toxins.

Evolution: Discussion of how venoms and poisons have evolved as adaptations for defence and predation.

Science as a Human Endeavour: Discussion of antivenoms, venom milking, and the biomedical use of toxins (e.g. Botox, painkillers), and responses to toxins and the role of homeostasis and respiration, like diaphragm paralysis and venom effects.

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