Discovery: First Scientifically Confirmed Poisonous Bird

Summary

The speaker recounts their graduate research involving toxic birds with sharp beaks that caused painful injuries. After discovering that the source of their discomfort was a potent neurotoxin named betco toxin, they collaborated with the National Institutes of Health to study its properties. Betco toxins, found in both these birds and poison dart frogs, disrupt nerve and muscle functions by binding to sodium channels, leading to paralysis or death. This revelation highlights the significant toxicity of these natural compounds, drawing connections between the birds and their amphibian counterparts.

Takeaways

• 🦜 The speaker experienced painful scratches from toxic birds during graduate studies.
• 🤕 An accidental ingestion of a toxin through a cut caused tingling and burning sensations.
• 🔍 Local knowledge confirmed that the birds were poisonous and should not be handled.
• 🤝 Collaboration with the National Institutes of Health was crucial for research progress.
• ⚗️ The neurotoxin identified was named betco toxin, belonging to a family of steroidal alkaloid neurotoxins.
• ⚡ Betco toxin disrupts nerve and muscle function by binding to voltage-gated sodium channels.
• 💀 Betco toxins are among the most toxic natural substances, more potent than curare or strychnine.
• 🌎 Most species studied are sensitive to these toxins, indicating a broad impact on animals with a central nervous system.
• 🐸 Betco toxin is similar to toxins found in poison dart frogs, which also utilize these compounds for defense.
• 📅 In collaboration with NIH, new toxins were discovered in the birds, previously unknown in frog toxins.

Q & A

What incident led the researcher to suspect that the birds were toxic?

The researcher experienced a tingling and burning sensation after licking a cut on their finger that had been scratched by the birds, prompting further investigation.

What type of birds were being studied for their toxicity?

The researchers were studying pahis, which are birds known for their strong, sharp beaks and claws.

What did the local community inform the researchers about the birds?

The local community indicated that the birds are poisonous and advised against handling them.

What compound was identified as responsible for the toxicity of the birds?

The compound identified is called betco toxin, which belongs to a family of steroidal alkaloid neurotoxins.

How does betco toxin affect nerve and muscle cells?

Betco toxin binds to voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing the cells from reestablishing the ionic potential needed for firing, leading to numbing, tingling, paralysis, and potentially death.

How does the toxicity of betco toxin compare to other well-known toxins?

Gram for gram, betco toxins are among the most toxic natural substances, more so than curare or strychnine.

What are the main characteristics of betco toxins?

Betco toxins are steroidal, contain a basic nitrogen in a ring structure, and are classified as neurotoxins.

What connection is there between the toxins found in pahis and poison dart frogs?

The same toxins found in pahis birds are also present in poison dart frogs from Central and South America, particularly in the Phyllobates species.

What historical context is provided regarding the research on these toxins?

The research was a collaboration between the researchers and the National Institutes of Health, which began when the researcher was a graduate student.

What implications do these findings have for understanding animal toxins?

The findings suggest a shared evolutionary trait in the use of specific toxic compounds among different species, enhancing our understanding of animal defense mechanisms.