(Natural News) The Virginia Department of Forestry has warned residents to watch out for furry caterpillars following numerous sightings from the state’s eastern counties. The venomous puss caterpillar is covered with fur-like spines that cause intense pain upon contact. The venom can also cause swelling, fever and symptoms of shock. Eric Day, the manager of the Insect Identification Lab at […]

(Natural News) Acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, is a serious complication associated with sepsis. In patients with this condition, myocardial injury that leads to a heart attack is caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin present in the outer membrane of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria. LPS triggers inflammation by promoting the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, such […]

(Natural News) Getting bitten by a snake is a scary event. And unlike the depiction in the movies, the only way to treat a venomous snake bite is through antivenom. Forget about sucking out the venom or applying tourniquet – those actions will only make things worse. (h/t to LiveScience.com) A common mistake is that […]

(Natural News) An Australian scientist has made quite the unusual discovery related to diabetes. Professor Frank Grutzner, Ph.D., recently found that the venom released by the platypus, of all creatures, contains a unique type of hormone that can actually help the human pancreas to naturally produce more insulin. Prof. Grutzner says he’s spent many years […]

(Natural News) According to a recent study, venom from “the enigmatic wasp Ampulex compressa” can one day be used for Parkinson’s disease treatments. Scientists from the American Chemical Society (ACS) have observed interactions between A. compressa and the American cockroach, and once stung by the former, the latter will lose control of its behavior. The parasitic wasp then uses […]