New Publication: Hybridisation in the Tarantula Hobby

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  New Publication: Hybridisation in the Tarantula Hobby I am pleased to share the publication of my latest paper, “Hybridisation in the Tarantula Hobby: Ethical Boundaries and Biological Consequences,” in the Journal of the British Tarantula Society , Volume 41, No. 1, September 2026. The paper addresses an issue that deserves serious consideration within the tarantula community: hybridisation and its potential long-term effects on the integrity of captive lineages. More Than a Breeding Decision The tarantula hobby has changed considerably over the past several decades. What was once a relatively small community has grown into an international network of keepers, breeders, vendors, researchers, and societies. Captive breeding has contributed enormously to that growth, improving husbandry knowledge and increasing the availability of captive-bred animals. With that success comes responsibility for the lineages we maintain. Hybridisation may seem like an isolated breeding experiment,...

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