Scientists found the gene that makes Aussie skinks immune to deadly snake venom

Australian skinks have developed a remarkable genetic defense against venomous snake bites by mutating a key muscle receptor, making them resistant to neurotoxins. These tiny but powerful molecular changes mirror those found in cobra-resistant mammals like mongooses and honey badgers. This evolutionary arms race not only shows how adaptable life can be but also offers exciting possibilities for creating new antivenoms and therapies in human medicine.