Scientists discover a powerful new antivenom hidden in rattlesnake blood

University of Maryland researchers have identified a promising new way to treat venomous snakebites by borrowing from snakes' own natural defenses. Their approach uses toxin-blocking proteins that western diamondback rattlesnakes evolved to protect themselves from venom.

By combining specific proteins found in rattlesnake blood, the researchers achieved unusually strong protection against venom from several dangerous snake species.

The study was led by Distinguished University Professor of BiologySean B. Carroll and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . The findings could help researchers develop more powerful antivenoms for deadly snakebites, which remain a major health threat in some regions of the world.

"This is one of those great stories when nature has already solved a problem we've been grappling with for decades," said Carroll, who also holds the Andrew and Mary Balo and Nicholas and Susan Simon Endowed Chair at UMD.