Venom from one of the deadliest spiders on the planet could save the lives of heart attack victims.
Australian k'gari funnel-web spiders could save heart attack victims
A molecule found in the killer toxin of Australian k'gari funnel-web spiders has been found to stop cells in the heart from dying due to a lack of oxygen during blockages.
The potential new drug, known as Hi1a, is also thought to be able to extend the lives of donor hearts that have been used for transplants.
Professor Glenn King, of the University of Queensland, said: "Hi1a could reduce damage to the heart and brain during heart attacks and strokes by preventing cell deaths caused by a lack of oxygen.
"Our testing and safety studies from independent contract research organisations has provided evidence that Hi1a could be an effective and safe therapeutic.
"The possibility that we can develop the first-ever drug to minimise damage during a heart attack is super exciting."