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

Parallel evolution

[Silver Sloth]

"It is fascinating that plants and animals have evolved the same anti-predatory mechanism to generate noxious sensations," Julius said.

c.f. the similarities between the human eye and the squid eye. Given the phase space it's not totally surprising that different organisms evolved similar solutions. Or maybe the flying spaghetti monster intelligently designed it that way!

Re: I think its the other way around

[dzfoo]

>> 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.

This doesn't sound right. If this assertion is correct, it implies that as an organism is developing, its evolution is not only based on its perception of the environment, but on the exact biological constitution of it. How can a tarantula, for example, "know" of the existence of such receptors in its predators?

I would imagine it works the other way around: predators developed a common sensory receptor to detect specific chemical threats, and trigger an immediate physical response in order to prevent further consumption.

        -dZ.