Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, turn to a tiny species of venomous spider called Lachesana tarabaevi in the search for compounds with anti-microbial properties. They show that peptides derived from the spider’s venom is effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
The study from IISc found a previously unidentified yeast-like symbiont inside the lac insect Kerria lacca, which gives the insect its distinctive red colour and, may also provide other nutrients in return for shelter.