A Scorpion 

Scientists studying the venom of an Amazonian scorpion, Brotheas amazonicus, have found a molecule called BamazScplp1 that causes breast cancer cells to die. Like some chemotherapy drugs, it works by triggering necrosis, a process that makes the cancer cells break apart and die. The research is still in early stages, but it’s promising.

To study the venom safely and produce enough of the compound, the team inserted the gene that makes BamazScplp1 into yeast cells. These yeast cells act like tiny factories, creating large amounts of the venom protein for testing.

This method, called heterologous expression, allows researchers to study rare or dangerous molecules without needing to collect large amounts of venom from live scorpions. The team also found other useful compounds using the same method, including one from snake venom that could help grow blood vessels for wound healing or tissue repair.

Scientists hope that nature may hold more hidden treatments like this—but warn that protecting these species and ecosystems is critical, or we may lose these potential cures before we find them. Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, often forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. It affects both women and men, though it’s much more common in women. Common treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted drugs.

It’s incredible what we can learn from nature. What other unexpected sources of medicine have you heard about?

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only.
– Brain Science
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