University of Queensland researchers have uncovered the workings of ant venom by measuring electric currents through individual channels in cells to understand how it causes pain.
University of Queensland researchers have uncovered the workings of ant venom by measuring electric currents through individual channels in cells to understand how it causes pain.
Dr. Angelo Keramidas from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience led a team which studied the potent sting of the West African ant (Tetramorium africanum), discovering a toxin within the venom caused hyperstimulation of sodium channels within the victim’s cells which led to extreme pain.
« This ant bite causes a cacophony of pain symptoms, not only severe and long-lasting pain with reddening and inflammation at the sting site but also excessive sweating and goosebumps », Dr.
