Traditionally, scorpions have been called "the first of the five poisons". The latest research once again reveals the rich biodiversity of nature.
On 28 October 2021, Green Society International volunteers shared an latest study from the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on social platforms. Scientists at the University of Aberdeen and egypt's University of Suez Canal have reportedly explored the potential of scorpion venom to fight the coronavirus mutation.
Source: Officially released by the University of Aberdeen
The scorpion is one of the oldest animals on Earth and has been around for over 400 million years. Their venom has been used in traditional remedies in many countries since ancient times, especially in China and India.
Scorpion venom contains a "fascinating cocktail" of bioactive peptides, many of which are very potent neurotoxins, while some scorpion venoms show powerful antibacterial and antiviral activity and are believed to play a role in protecting venom glands from microbial infections. These peptides can serve as a good starting point for treating the new crown.
According to reports, the project is funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund and is co-led by Wael Houssen, a senior researcher at the Institute of Medicine at the University of Aberdeen, and Mohamed Abdel Rahman, professor of molecular toxicology and physiology in the Department of Zoology at suez Canal University.
Dr Wael Houssen said, "Research into scorpion venom as a new drug source is a very exciting and productive area that deserves further study. ”
However, in research on wildlife use, it is important to ensure sustainability. Species cannot be endangered or even extinct because of disorderly commercial use. Therefore, research ethics is an important aspect.
The staff of the International Department of the Green Society found that in this news report, the ethical principles of biodiversity research are emphasized: in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from the Utilization of Genetic Resources) and related laws, researchers collected scorpion species. After the scorpions squeezed out the venom, they had been released back into their natural habitat in the deserts of Egypt.
Scorpion venom is a very complex mixture containing hundreds of toxins, and their analysis requires painstaking experiments. After purification and identification, venom peptides will be synthesized in large quantities in Dr. Houssen's laboratory and structurally modified to impart drug-like properties using custom enzymes.
Dr Houssen further said: "We have seen that these venoms contain extremely potent bioactive peptides and we believe there is much more to be discovered. ”
Professor Rahman said that including the most poisonous species of scorpions in the world are widely distributed in Egypt. "Their venom has not been fully studied and could become a source of new and unconventional drugs."
Web coverage
【Postscript】Reminder: Catching wild scorpions is illegal!
Despite the frequent news in the field of international research, the author is still worried about the illegal hunting of scorpions in the wild.
Because for a long time, the phenomenon of indiscriminate hunting of wild scorpions has been repeatedly prohibited. Every year, China invests a lot of money in locust eradication and insect pest control, and the results are limited. Nature, on the other hand, actually has its own checks and balances, but it is captured and quietly unbalanced by the interests of individuals. Wild scorpions have been hunted and killed by humans, seriously damaging the biological chain.
Special reminder again: catching wild scorpions is illegal!!!
Compilation/SY (Green Society International Department)
【Reference】University of Aberdeen Official Press Release: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/15459/
Ningxia Capture of Wild Scorpions and Acquisition Phenomenon Investigation| Green Society Volunteers Frontline Wild Protection Research Transcript(2021-08-07)
https://haokan.baidu.com/v?pd=wisenatural&vid=4023183801657416652
Who catches wild scorpions in large numbers in Ningxia? E-commerce no wild action is seriously concerned! （2021-07-08）
https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1704691145310392915
China Green Hair Club: "The Scorpion Catcher Sequel is Coming!" The relevant departments of Zhongwei City acted quickly, issuing a notice prohibiting the capture of wild scorpions| Green Society Research Office(2021-07-15)
https://www.sohu.com/a/477633457_100001695
#Scorpion ##Epidemic ##Covid-19#Virus ##31省份增本土23例 involving Beijing, Shandong and other places #