Killer Snails Social Media Interns Visit Holford Lab!

Cone snails are one of the most venomous creatures in the world. Their venom contains a cocktail of toxins that can be deadly to their prey, but it turns out that these toxins could also be used to cure certain diseases. In fact, scientists have been studying cone snail venom for years, hoping to find new treatments for a range of medical conditions.

Recently, our two interns at Killer Snails, Wynton and Mikey,  had the opportunity to visit Mandë's lab, where they learned about the exciting research being conducted on cone snails and their venom. During their visit, the interns were given a tour of the lab and were able to see firsthand how scientists are working to isolate and study the different toxins found in cone snail venom.

One of the primary uses of cone snail venom is for pain relief. Some of the toxins found in the venom can block pain signals from reaching the brain, making them a promising candidate for the development of new pain medications. In fact, a drug called Ziconotide, which is derived from cone snail venom, has already been approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic pain.

But the potential uses of cone snail venom don't stop there. Researchers are also investigating its potential as a treatment for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and even cancer. Some of the toxins in cone snail venom have been found to have neuroprotective properties, meaning that they could potentially help protect the brain from damage caused by these diseases.

Of course, studying cone snail venom isn't without its challenges. Cone snails produce hundreds of different toxins, each with their own unique properties and potential uses. Isolating and studying these toxins is a complex and time-consuming process that requires a great deal of expertise and resources.

However, the potential benefits of studying cone snail venom are clear. By unlocking the secrets of these fascinating creatures and their venom, researchers could develop new treatments for a range of diseases, improving the lives of millions of people around the world.

As the interns left Mande's lab, they couldn't help but feel inspired by the groundbreaking research being conducted there. They knew that they had witnessed something truly special, and they were eager to see what the future holds for the study of cone snail venom and its potential to cure diseases.