Tarantula Venom and Chili Peppers Share Receptor

FiReaNGeL writes "Scientists have discovered that venom from a West Indian tarantula has been shown to cause pain by exciting the same nerve cells in mice that sense high temperatures and the hot, spicy ingredient in chili peppers. The findings demonstrate that some plants and animals have evolved the same molecular strategy to deter predators — triggering pain by activating a specific receptor on sensory nerves. The research provides new tools to understand how these pain- and heat-sensing neurons work, and to help develop drugs that ease persistent pain."

Comments

New cookery possibilties!

[Anonymous Coward]

Spider con carne... mmm...

Boomer

[Anonymous Coward]

OK... Am I the only jerk that think this was about 3 rock bands using some kind of not-on-the hype music distribution system?
[sigh]
Man, i need to get out a little.

D.

Music Reference?

[mysticwhiskey]

I know of the Chilli Peppers, but Tarantula Venom? Never heard of the band. Therefore I scientifically conclude that both don't share my (aural) receptor*. :P

* = Ear for the laypeople

That's a spicy meat-a-ball!

[ApharmdB]

Alright! So when can I start getting bottles of tarantula sauce?

Was I the only one

[dkleinsc]

who thought the title sounded like something out of Rolling Stone:

"New York punk group Tarantula Venom will be opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Receptor on 45th and Broadway ..."

Cure for Tarantula venom?

[rtyall]

So you have a choice, suffer the toxin of the spider venom, or eat 16 million Scoville pure capsaicin crystals and lose the feeling in your face forever?
Fuck it, I'll take my chances with the spiders!

ObRedMeatComment

[elronxenu]

What Bug-eyed Earl might say about that

Ouch...

[Kagura]

The findings demonstrate that some plants and animals have evolved the same molecular strategy to deter predators -- triggering pain by activating a specific receptor on sensory nerves.

I'm trying to remember the last time I was bitten by a chili pepper.