Spider-like venom found in Australian stinging trees
(CNN) Australia is synonymous with venomous spiders and snakes -- but scientists have discovered new toxins in what they label a "truly venomous" plant.
A team of researchers from the University of Queensland have discovered a previously unidentified neurotoxin that is similar to the venom found in spiders and cone snails.
Unlike its American and European counterparts, being stung by a dendrocnide tree -- which means "stinging tree" -- can cause pain that lasts for days -- or even weeks.
Researchers hope the study, published Wednesday in the Science Advances journal, will help provide new information as to how pain-sensing nerves function, and help in developing painkillers.
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