Forget slow and steady. For the cone snail, it’s fast-acting chemistry that wins the race. Researchers have now shed light on the structure of a speedy insulin that cone snails use to paralyze prey.

Researchers have found that the structure of an insulin molecule produced by predatory cone snails may be an improvement over current fast-acting therapeutic insulin. University of Utah researchers ...

An international research team led by scientists at University of Utah Health, Stanford University, and University of Copenhagen has developed a new form of fast-acting injectable insulin based on ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Scientists in Australia and the United States have unlocked the ...

With shortages projected for insulin, the study published Tuesday suggesting that snail venom holds the potential for balancing blood sugar doesn’t seem as outlandish as it ordinarily might. In an ...

The cone snail has been recognized as a natural born killer. While it moves incredibly slowly, it doesn’t have to rush. It’s able to secrete toxic venom that totally incapacitates its victim. The ...

Image of a predatory marine snail, Conus geographus, hunting a fish. The snail relies on fast-acting venom to subdue its prey, which enters hypoglycemic sedation due to one of the venom’s components, ...

Cone snails are typically found in tropical waters across the globe. Larger species, such as the Conus geographus, release venom containing fast-acting insulin. The sting of a few of the larger ...

The images show two species of cone snail, Conus geographus (left) and Conus tulipa (right) attempting to capture their fish prey. As they approach potential prey, the snails release a specialized ...

Images of the cone snail Conus geographus attempting to capture fish prey. As the snails approach potential prey, they release a specialized insulin into the water, along with neurotoxins that inhibit ...