deadliest

The potent cocktail of toxins in the venom of one of the world's deadliest spiders seems to vary depending on context.A new analysis of how funnel-web spiders produce their venom shows that factors such as the spider's heart rate and defensiveness could play a role in the proportions of chemicals delivered on the ends of the fangs of an angry arachnid.Why do we want to know? Because funnel-web spiders' venoms are complex mixtures with a range of potential applications, such as natural pesticides and pharmaceuticals – not…

In spite of being responsible for over 90 percent of mushroom-related fatalities around the world, we still don't know why the death cap mushroom is as lethal as it is. Which makes it a little difficult to discover ways to prevent its toxic effects.Fortunately, scientists may have now identified a substance that could work as an antidote for poisoning by the famously deadly mushroom, Amanita phalloides. In even better news, the candidate, called indocyanine green, is already FDA approved and used as a dye for medical…

A team of scientists may have just found an antidote to one of the most infamous natural poisons in the world: the death cap mushroom. In a new study, they detail experiments showing that a common medical dye can counteract the fungi’s deadly effects in mice. Given its already approved uses, the team believes that the dye could save plenty of human lives in the near future.Little Mermaid Director Rob Marshall on Handling the Music of a Disney Legend | io9 InterviewDelicious and useful as many mushrooms are, some species…

The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which has been the ‘killer of kings’ for centuries, could be losing its edge. Scientists have found a possible antidote for the deadly mushroom’s toxin. Growing up to 15 centimetres high, with unassuming tan or yellow-green tops, death caps can taste quite nice, according to people who have accidentally eaten them and survived. But afterwards, the toxin can cause vomiting, seizures, severe liver damage and death. The Roman Emperor Claudius is thought to have died from…

The usual antihero has been reinvented in Jason Aaron, Jesus Saiz, Paul Azaceta, Matt Hollingsworth, and VC's Cory Petit's "Punisher" run. With Punisher's iconic skull logo becoming a symbol of hatred in the real world, Marvel Comics opted to transform Frank Castle. The character now sports a new Oni symbol after joined the Hand, and has been put on one of his darkest paths yet. Castle stepped away from New York City and is currently in Japan, where he's working alongside the Arch priestess of the Hand.…

In "Hulk" #13 by Ryan Ottley, Cliff Rathburn, Marte Gracia, and Cory Petit from Marvel Comics, it's revealed that Bruce Banner previously sought out the assistance of Doctor Strange to help control the Hulk. The Sorcerer Supreme uses a spell to create a mind palace he could live in using newly discovered magic. In doing so, Banner could control the Hulk like never before in a world of his own making, operating the Jade Giant from inside his mind. But Doctor Strange's spell hasn't kept Hulk's darkest side…

Researchers observe and discuss rock samples taken from Bakken Shale Formation. Credit: Alan Jay Kaufman. The Bakken Shale Formation—a 200,000-square-mile shale deposit below parts of Canada and North Dakota—has supplied billions of barrels of oil and natural gas to North America for 70 years. A new discovery reveals that the rocks also open a uniquely informative window into Earth's complicated geological history.…

Ultraman is one of the most powerful villains in the DC Universe. The Superman of Earth-3 is basically the worst-case scenario version of Superman, as he has a much darker origin than his Prime-Earth heroic counterpart. In his backstory, his father manages to save him from Krypton's destruction after killing those who are also trying to escape. Ultraman crash-lands in Kansas but murders his adopted parents and eventually becomes the leader of the Crime Syndicate — the evil version of the Justice League.…

Smallpox has left an unmistakable mark on human history, killing at least 300 million people in the 20th century alone. In spite of its notoriety, the virus's origins still remain elusive.Now, a team of scientists in Italy has pushed our best estimates for the emergence of smallpox back by another 2,000 years, verifying historical sources that suggested the disease has plagued human societies since ancient times, back when pharaohs ruled.Advances in genetic sequencing technologies have enabled researchers to undertake…

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Even though the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30, its repercussions will linger long into the future. The season wound up near normal despite forecasts for above-average activity, but it was notable for the death and destruction wrought by Hurricanes Fiona, Ian and Nicole. In…