A pseudoscorpion clinging to a cave salamander: phoresy or failed predation?

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  A pseudoscorpion clinging to a cave salamander: phoresy or failed predation? Abstract Pseudoscorpions are well known for phoretic associations with arthropods, but interactions with amphibians are rarely documented. Here we report a pseudoscorpion attached to the left palpebral region of an adult male Italian cave salamander, Speleomantes italicus , observed during a visual survey in a karst cave in Tuscany, Italy. The pseudoscorpion, assigned on the basis of visible morphology and locality to Chthonius cf. elongatus , was grasping a minute cutaneous fold on the lower margin of the left upper eyelid with one chela while the salamander moved slowly over the rock surface. No handling was performed and the initial contact between the two animals was not observed. The event therefore cannot be interpreted unambiguously, but may represent opportunistic phoresy or defensive attachment following a failed predation attempt. To our knowledge, this is the first published observation of a ...

Therapeutic Potentials of Cerastes cerastes Venom: A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Biomedical Applications

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By Holger Krisp - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17570143

Therapeutic Potentials of Cerastes cerastes Venom: A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Snake venoms represent a vast reservoir of bioactive molecules with both toxic and therapeutic potential. The Saharan horned viper (Cerastes cerastes), distributed across North Africa and the Middle East, produces a venom rich in proteins and peptides that modulate key physiological processes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pharmacological activities of Cerastes cerastes venom and its purified components, emphasizing their potential applications in medicine. Enzymes such as phospholipases A2, serine proteinases, metalloproteinases, L-amino acid oxidases, and disintegrins have been isolated and characterized, displaying diverse biological effects. These include pro- and anticoagulant activities relevant to hemostasis, cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic properties with implications in cancer therapy, and antiparasitic effects against Leishmania and Schistosoma species. Furthermore, venom-derived LAAOs exhibit strong antibacterial activity, particularly against resistant pathogens such as MRSA, while emerging evidence highlights immunomodulatory and radioprotective roles. Despite their promise, challenges related to toxicity, stability, delivery, and potential immunogenicity must be addressed for successful clinical translation. Collectively, Cerastes cerastes venom exemplifies the therapeutic versatility of natural toxins and offers a valuable platform for the discovery and development of novel agents targeting cancer, infectious diseases, hemostatic disorders, and immune-mediated conditions.
Khelfi, A. (2026). Therapeutic Potentials of Cerastes cerastes Venom: A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Biomedical Applications. Toxicon, 109023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2026.109023