Venom to Cure? // Kai Jones 1st period

         Wasps just might be useful for something after all. According to this article, a chemical that is found in the venom of a certain type of wasp is able to attack cancer cell membranes, exposing them and killing them. Unlike chemotherapy, this venom doesn't seem to harm other cells. The venom comes from a Brazilian wasp called polybia paulista. Scientists are hoping to be able to use this in combination with other cancer treatments to make it more effective. The chemical inhibits the growth of bladder and prostate cancers.

        This is a great medical advancement and has probably spun off an entirely new way of fighting cancer. I hope that we can use this information to further our understanding of how cancer works and how we can prevent it. Of course tons of research needs to happen in order for this to be possible. If we can figure out more ways to disrupt the cell membranes of other cancer cells then this disease will be so much easier to treat. I cannot wait to see how this new discovery helps out American cancer patients and cancer patients around the world.