In this sea anemone, Telmatactis stephensoni, toxins were located at sites that corresponded to their function of defense, predation and digestion.Īnimal venoms had been used to treat humans throughout history, with snake venom administered medicinally as early as the seventh century BC.ĭoctoral researcher Lauren Ashwood, from the Queensland University of Technology, said: 'Unlike snakes which deliver their venom via fangs, T. The study found this species of reef-based sea anemone, that can grow from 8 to 10cm, that different venoms are produced for biological functions. The unknown poison was found in the gastrodermis, the lining membrane, which indicates it could be involved in digestion. Researchers have discovered that of the 84 toxins that make up the complex cocktail found in stinging cells of the sea anemone structure, one was completely new.
A toxin discovered in a venomous sea anemone found off the coast of Australia could end chronic back pain.
