A new species of Dolomedes Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Dolomedidae) from the island of New Guinea

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  A new species of Dolomedes Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Dolomedidae) from the island of New Guinea Abstract A new species, Dolomedes afi sp. n., is diagnosed and described from New Guinea Island (Papua New Guinea) based on both sexes. The new species is similar to the Australian species D. alexandri Raven & Hebron, 2018, D. vicque Raven & Hebron, 2018 and D. wollemi Raven & Hebron, 2018, but differs from them in the structure of the copulatory organs. The new species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in body coloration. A detailed description and digital photographs are provided. The collecting localities of Dolomedes species in New Guinea are mapped. Fomichev, A. A., & Omelko, M. M. (2026). A new species of Dolomedes Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Dolomedidae) from the island of New Guinea.  Acta Biologica Sibirica ,  12 , 355-365. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19563050

Invertebrate venoms: A treasure trove of bioactive compounds with anticancer potential

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Invertebrate venoms: A treasure trove of bioactive compounds with anticancer potential

Abstract

Invertebrate venoms, despite their inherent toxicity, represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with significant anticancer properties. Historically, traditional medicines in Asia, Africa, and other regions have utilized these venoms to treat a variety of diseases, particularly those derived from scorpions, bees, wasps, and cone snails. Contemporary research has illuminated their therapeutic potential, especially in oncology. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that specific toxins from these venoms can inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and restrict metastasis. The anticancer efficacy of invertebrate venoms is primarily attributed to their capacity to selectively target malignant cells while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues. In addition, bioactive compounds extracted from certain invertebrate venoms exhibit selective cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines and can inhibit enzymes critical to tumor progression, thereby impeding the invasion and dissemination of cancerous cells. The increasing interest in the application of invertebrate venoms in cancer therapy has spurred further investigations into their therapeutic potential. This review critically evaluates recent scientific advancements concerning the anticancer properties of bioactive molecules derived from invertebrate venoms, elucidating their mechanisms of action and efficacy across different cancer types. We emphasize their potential as viable alternatives or adjuncts to conventional therapies, which are often constrained by their associated toxicity.

Lafnoune, A., Chbel, A., Darkaoui, B. et al. Invertebrate venoms: A treasure trove of bioactive compounds with anticancer potential. Arch Toxicol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-025-04032-0