The Laboratory of Animal Toxins is equipped to perform the isolation, biochemical, structural and functional characterization of toxins from animal venoms, as well as the heterologous expression of molecules with potential biotechnological application. PEGylation of peptides and proteins is also carried out to increase their potential use as a drug. … Read More →
New standard operating procedure for apitoxin collection aiming at research and production of the apilic antivenom
A new apilic antivenom was developed to reduce the mortality of patients envenomed by Africanized honeybees. This species has an intensely defensive behavior and promotes several fatal accidents. In the process of collecting apitoxin it is essential to guarantee the safety of the handler, the welfare of bee colonies and the quality of biomolecules. … Read More →
Laser therapy together with a fibrin biopolymer improves nerve and bone tissue regeneration
The heterologous fibrin sealant produced by CEVAP has been employed as “nerve glue” and wound healing substance for venous ulcers. Currently it is called fibrin biopolymer due to its multiple uses. In association with adjuvant scaffolds, it constitutes active biocomplexes that contribute to the morphophysiological and functional recovery of bone defects. … Read More →
Building an electronic scientific journal: evolution and challenges
Twenty-eight years ago, the Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases was launched with ambitious goals: to be an e-journal even before internet was accessible to the general public and to establish itself as an international publication born in Brazil. Since then, many obstacles and challenges have been and continue to be overcome. … Read More →
Latitude and seasons influence the tick count in cattle
Being one of the main parasites of cattle, ticks cause losses to livestock farmers. It has been shown that latitude and season interfere with tick counts: higher latitudes tend to have less tick infestation, as well as in winter, while in spring there is a higher infestation. … Read More →
Electrical stunning in Jundiá fish keeps meat quality and allows humane slaughter
The parameters for electrical stunning in Jundiá fish and its effects on muscle pH and rigor mortis indicates no significant differences in the parameters of meat quality – it allows for discussion and refinement of current practices in the slaughter of fish, also considering their well-being. … Read More →
Study points out microorganisms activating in the remediation of soil degraded by agrochemistics
Herbicides such as hexazinone are widely used in crops around the world. With the objective of selecting hexazinone-tolerant microorganisms that have the capacity to solubilize phosphate and prepare inoculants associated with the plant in the remediation of soil contaminated with hexazinone, researchers carried out a research based on 20 soil samples. The results present an alternative to help improve soil quality. … Read More →
Tools of death with a touch of romance: all the amazing things scorpions use their weapons for
In the world of animal weaponry, scorpions stand out by having two separate weapons, used in many different ways. The authors consolidate 150 years of research in the perspectives of feeding, defense and sexually related contests. An exciting guided tour into scorpion weapon biology and a reference for researchers. … Read More →
β-scoliidine, present in Japanese solitary wasp venom, protects neuronal cells from oxidative stress
Solitary wasp venoms represent a rich source of molecules of pharmacological interest. Thus, to unravel the content of Scolia decorata ventralis venom, proteomic techniques were used, and two new peptides were determined as its major components, α-scoliidine and β-scoliidine. Interestingly, β-scoliidin was effective in protecting neuronal cells against oxidative stress. … Read More →
Spider venom neurotoxins from the Philippine tarantula: a new source for biomedical leads
When the words “venom” and “spider” are mentioned, most people shiver with fear and will go to any extent to avoid them. However, this is not the case with spider venom researchers in the Philippines as they explore the novel neuroactivities of the venom of this endemic, medium-sized theraphosid, Phlogiellus bundokalbo. … Read More →
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