Scorpions may cut bypass failures

Saturday 23 October 2010 00:00 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Scorpion venom could be the key to reducing heart bypass failures, according to research published yesterday.

A study by Leeds University has found that a toxin in the venom of the Central American scorpion, Centruroides margaritatus, is 100 times more potent at preventing the cause of bypass failure than any other known compound. The research shows margatoxin's potential for preventing a blood vessel's response to injury.

Professor David Beech, from the Faculty of Biological Sciences, said: "It's staggeringly potent. We need very few molecules in order to obtain an effect."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Scorpions may cut bypass failures

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering