Galway researchers have discovered why some spiders are more venomous than others
The researchers analysed venom from more than 70 different spider species, to see if things like body size, prey type, and hunting method, could explain the wide variation in venom strength.
They can now confirm that diet is one of the most influential factors in the potency of spider venom.
They found that spider venoms are what is called 'prey-specific', meaning if a spider primarily hunts insects, its venom is likely to be particularly effective at killing insects in general, such as crickets and flies. Meanwhile, it may be far less effective against other non-insect prey, like small mammals.
Lead author Dr Keith Lyons from University of Galway's School of Natural Sciences, said this could explain why species that are known to sometimes prey on small mammals, such as the Brazilian wandering spider or Black widow, have venoms that can cause medically significant effects in us humans.
Advertisement
'Species that only prey on invertebrates, such as the Giant house spider, have evolved venoms that target invertebrate physiologies rather than our own, posing little threat to us,' he said.
Dr Keith Lyons and Dr Kevin Healy, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway
Andrew Downes
Andrew Downes
The findings were published today in the journal Biology Letters.
The researchers also tested whether the use of webs to capture prey was related to the potency or volume of a spider's venom.
Dr Kevin Healy, Senior author and Head of the Macroecology lab at the University's School of Natural Sciences, said that they 'surprisingly' found no relationship between the two.
He said this suggests that webs are likely important for restraining prey in web-hunters, regardless of how deadly their venom is.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Irish Independent
Revealed: the worst offenders for light pollution as new research highlights common sources
A study assisted by the University of Galway found that, while most efforts focused on street lighting, other sources of night light were more widespread than street lamps. Private windows were the biggest source of light, meaning a policy as simple as encouraging householders to use curtains after dark could have a major impact. Street lamps were the second most common source of light, followed by commercial premises. But sources of light are numerous, and include traffic lights; information signs; advertisements; footlights and floodlights on monuments; screens on ATMs; illuminated house numbers; and doorbells, security lights, garden lights and decorative lights. The problem is that many of these sources remain on well after midnight, creating unnecessary 'light spill' and 'skyglow' that are disruptive to urban dwellers and wildlife. Animals, birds, insects and even plants have their natural patterns upset when night skies are brighter than they evolved to cope with, while residents report difficulty relaxing and sleeping in the constant brightness. There is currently no national legislation or policy on the issue in Ireland The study, published in Nature Cities, collected data from citizen scientists in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, England and the US. They used the specially developed Nachtlichter (NightLights) app to record all the light sources in assigned areas over a specific period. University of Galway researcher Georgia MacMillan coordinated surveys in multiple locations around counties Mayo and Galway. She said the insights from the study could be very helpful. The EU requires member states to address light pollution in nature restoration plans, but there is currently no national legislation or policy on the issue in Ireland. 'Using the NightLights application to conduct pilot surveys for this project helped us to consider the different sources of light pollution,' she said. 'This is something we need to do on a larger scale in Ireland, and we hope to use the application for future studies in collaboration with other Irish university campuses and community groups.' The study found that motion-activated lights, light-dimming policies and 'shielding' of lights so that they illuminated vital spaces for people while preventing light escaping upwards could all help reduce the impact of light at night.
Irish Post
6 days ago
- Irish Post
Archaeologists discover ‘remarkable' ancient ringfort overlooking Irish beauty spot
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered an ancient ringfort which is believed to have been a settlement for rulers and nobles in Ireland's early medieval period. Rathgurreen Ringfort, in the Maree area of Co. Galway, has been described as an 'impressive high-status settlement that could date anywhere from the 5th to 12th century AD. The site, which overlooks Galway Bay, was the focus of an eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway. 'What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory,' Dr Comber, who is a lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Galway, said. 'There are up to 40 ringforts in the area, most of which are only a third the size of Rathgurreen, not to mention a number of earlier prehistoric sites,' she added. The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement – meaning it was home to a local ruler such as a king or lord - by Professor Michael Duignan, then Chair of Archaeology at the University, in the late 1940s. Dr Michelle Comber holding a turquoise and red glass bead found at the Rathgurreen Ringfort and believed to date from Early Medieval Ireland. (Pic: Aengus McMahon) Excavations now suggest that parts of the site are potentially 1,000 years older than previously thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia, possibly including the trade of valuable purple dye made at Rathgurreen. 'The name Mearaí (Maree) appears in several early legends, often associated with warriors or other figures bearing that name,' Dr Comber said. 'Our research confirms that Rathgurreen was the home of a noble family - hence the description as high-status. 'But the story is much deeper and richer. 'We have evidence of continuity and change at this site – a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort. 'A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to early medieval nobility.' A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort. They found a number of glass beads, some coloured blue and another turquoise and red. These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age - the era that immediately precedes the early medieval period. The dig has also confirmed the presence of early medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings. Evidence suggesting the manufacture of purple dye at Rathgurreen comprises the remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare, and therefore, valuable colouring. 'We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard,' Dr Comber added. 'In no sense, though, would it have been viewed as 'wild' or isolated - on the contrary it was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe. 'The adjacent coast provided relatively easy access to the outside world - seaways were the motorways of their day. 'The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present,' she added. 'This one site has many tales to tell, and roles to play. 'People come to the west of Ireland and they think it's isolated and remote, but Maree's ancient remains tell us that western Ireland was not cut off from the wider world, geographically or culturally.' The excavation marks the launch of a new research project exploring land use through time on the Maree peninsula in Galway with the University team hoping to continue digs at the site in 2026 and to pursue other locations in the area in future years. See More: Archaeologists, Galway, Maree, Rathgurreen Ringfort
Irish Examiner
28-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
High Court suspends physio who administered unlicensed Botox-like product
A physiotherapist who administered an unlicensed Botox-like product to a number of clients and was found guilty of poor professional performance has been suspended for three months by the High Court. High Court president Mr Justice David Barniville confirmed the sanction of CORU the regulatory body of health and social care professionals to suspend the Dublin physiotherapist from the Register of Physiotherapists for three months starting in October. Physiotherapist, Igor Castro, who operates a practice on O'Connell St in Dublin, appeared before a fitness-to-practise inquiry earlier this year over his use and promotion of Liztox, a Korean botulinum toxin product similar to Botox which is used for aesthetic treatments. The CORU fitness-to-practise committee found an allegation proven that Mr Castro had administered Liztox to three clients at his practice in October 2023. The committee also found it proven that the Brazilian native had posted one or more posts on his Instagram account between October and November 2023 promoting the fact that he was administering the Botox-like product to clients. In the High Court on Monday, CORU solicitor JP McDowell of Fieldfisher solicitors said the committee regarded it as a very serious matter 'and it goes to the issue of public safety'. He said mitigating factors were considered including that Mr Castro had 'considerable insight into the error of his ways'. Confirming the suspension to begin in October, Mr Justice David Barniville noted that Mr Castro had made a full admission and was very apologetic for what happened. Fitness-to-practise inquiry At the CORU fitness-to-practise committee inquiry last January the inquiry's chairwoman, Geraldine Feeney, said the committee made its findings on the basis of Mr Castro's own admissions and the uncontroverted evidence of a number of witnesses, including an enforcement officer with the Health Products Regulatory Authority. She said Mr Castro's actions in administering Liztox when it was outside his scope as a physiotherapist also represented breaches of the profession's code of professional conduct and ethics, Ms Feeney added. The committee observed that an expert witness had pointed out that Mr Castro was not legally qualified to administer an unlicensed product which was a 'potentially harmful substance'. Ms Feeney said the physiotherapist had demonstrated extremely poor judgement and brought the profession into disrepute. She acknowledged that Mr Castro had co-operated fully from the outset with an investigation by the HPRA, and subsequently the CORU inquiry, and had made complete admissions about his conduct which she said had demonstrated insight into his wrongdoing. She noted that the committee was satisfied that there was little or no risk that Mr Castro would repeat the conduct in future based on his evidence, insight, and statement of regret. She acknowledged that he had provided the inquiry with several references which described him as a 'conscientious and good' physiotherapist. Ms Feeney said the committee was also impressed by the fact that Mr Castro was undertaking continuous education for the purpose of improving his skills and providing physiotherapy services. Read More Physio who gave Botox-like drug to clients found guilty of professional misconduct
