05-16-2023, 08:46 PM
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01630-9
The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which has been the ‘killer of kings’ for centuries, could be losing its edge. Scientists have found a possible antidote for the deadly mushroom’s toxin.
Growing up to 15 centimetres high, with unassuming tan or yellow-green tops, death caps can taste quite nice, according to people who have accidentally eaten them and survived. But afterwards, the toxin can cause vomiting, seizures, severe liver damage and death. The Roman Emperor Claudius is thought to have died from consuming the mushrooms in AD 54, and so is the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, in 1740. Today, hundreds of people die from eating poisonous mushrooms each year, and death caps are responsible for 90% of those fatalities.
Wow, given just how long these mushrooms have been killing people for, I'm surprised it's taken this long to find an antidote. But I'm glad one's been found now!
I wonder whether the same techniques could be used to find any other antidotes?
The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which has been the ‘killer of kings’ for centuries, could be losing its edge. Scientists have found a possible antidote for the deadly mushroom’s toxin.
Growing up to 15 centimetres high, with unassuming tan or yellow-green tops, death caps can taste quite nice, according to people who have accidentally eaten them and survived. But afterwards, the toxin can cause vomiting, seizures, severe liver damage and death. The Roman Emperor Claudius is thought to have died from consuming the mushrooms in AD 54, and so is the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, in 1740. Today, hundreds of people die from eating poisonous mushrooms each year, and death caps are responsible for 90% of those fatalities.
Wow, given just how long these mushrooms have been killing people for, I'm surprised it's taken this long to find an antidote. But I'm glad one's been found now!
I wonder whether the same techniques could be used to find any other antidotes?
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