Platypus Venom as Painkillers

Article by Neeyati (1,441 pts ) , published Jun 30, 2008

New alternatives for fighting pain are invented each age which are more effective than past ones. Continuing the trend, now scientists are looking at the venom of a platypus as effectual painkiller.

None of us enjoy being in pain. Neither we are able to go about our daily business when we are in pain. We can't concentrate on our work or any other activity. Everyone wants to get rid of pain as soon as he can. To achieve this, one takes painkillers. Just a few decades ago, only a few chemicals were available which would act as painkillers. Now with advancement of technology, a spurt has been witnessed in the emergence of molecules (both synthetic and natural) which can act as painkillers.

Genetic research which is forging ahead is the primary reason for this spurt. Recently it has been discovered that the venom of the Platypus, an extremely potent poison, could form the basis of preparing a better painkiller, and also for preparing antibiotics. This discovery will open up the new avenues in diminishing pain effectively and in less time when compared with the present drugs.

This finding was reached after researchers in Australia carefully researched the genetic traits of the platypus, found abundantly in the forests, and subjected it to various tests and research.  The discovery came when researchers were at a possible link between the venom of platypus, which is a mammal, and poisonous snakes and lizards. It was found that platypus venom is not only more effective but also takes less time to come into action, thus giving relief to the person quickly that is in pain.

The genetic material harvested from platypus showed that there could be a possibility of using the genetic research in making a newer and better painkiller along with new antibiotics. Platypus venom showed positive results in reducing great amounts of pain very fast when the experiments and tests were conducted on animals.