This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Venomous creatures have developed complex mixtures of active natural molecules to disable both prey and predators. Spider venoms, from one of the most successful and diverse life forms on the planet, offer a unique library of potential natural drug leads. David explains how spider venoms could hold the key to a new source of anti-cancer therapeutics – the key to turning toxins into tonics.
As a boy David Wilson dreamed of becoming a scientist and working with spiders. He achieved that dream with a PhD that researched the Australian funnel-web spider venom. David currently manages the Advanced Proteomics and NMR Facility at the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University. His research interests include exploring the potential of venom molecules, particularly from spiders, as novel drug leads for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
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