Scientists study a cast of creatures to learn how to use toxins to treat pain and disease

By Sharon Pochron

Web edition: May 30, 2012

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The native people of Papua New Guinea call the hooded pitohuis "trash birds" and refuse to eat them. Scientists now know why: These songbirds are among the first birds documented to be venomous.

Credit: John Dumbacher

Even behind thick glass at the zoo, rattlesnakes look dangerous. Then you walk into the sunshine and visit the outdoor exhibits. You smile as the Komodo dragon — at up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms), the world's heaviest lizard — plays tug-of-war with its keeper. In the bird exhibit, hooded pitohuis (pit-eww-ease) from Papua New Guinea flutter to the top perch in a colorful flurry of orange and black feathers. Their song fills the air. A duck-billed platypus, a strange Australian mammal, swims in quick circles in its murky pond while hunting for crustaceans. You've forgotten about the venomous snakes and spiders. 

However, even lizards, birds and mammals sometimes arm themselves with chemical weapons. You've just walked past three examples. They each possess powerful poisons. And these interest scientists not only because of how the chemicals aid in the animals’ defense but also because modified versions of these weapons may one day aid medicine.

Visit the new Science News for Kids website and read the full story: Can't touch this: Unusual venomous creatures