A new study looking at how skinks have evolved to block venom from reaching their muscles could guide development of new antivenoms

Through functional tests, researchers noted the major skink’s mutation is identical to the one that protects honey badgers and mongooses from cobra venom. Fry added that it was “quite remarkable” to see the same resistance in both a lizard and a mammal.

A study of Australia’s many species of skink reveals they have evolved resistance to snake venom at least 25 times, a testimony to the continent’s dangers. Since each skink lineage had to evolve resistance from scratch through mutation,

A University of Queensland-led study has found Australian skinks have evolved molecular armor to stop snake venom from shutting down their muscles. The research has been published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.