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Sign of Scorpio

A scorpion uses the venomous stinger at the end of its tail primarily to subdue insect prey.
Catherine Johnston
A scorpion uses the venomous stinger at the end of its tail primarily to subdue insect prey.
A scorpion uses the venomous stinger at the end of its tail primarily to subdue insect prey.

The FDA has approved the use of scorpion-derived venom in human trials on brain cancer patients.

Really.

The re-engineered protein from the scorpion is mixed with a fluorescent molecule “flashlight;” the product, called “tumor paint,” illuminates tumors or areas so small a physician may be unable to detect them.  It is the scorpion protein that binds to the cancer cells.

The first trial will be used on estimated 21 people with a glioma , or tumor in the brain or spine.

(S-R photo: A scorpion)

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "EndNotes." Read all stories from this blog