Lessons from a historic quest to heal spider bites are helping to fight neglected tropical diseases today

The bite of a black widow spider can initially feel like a sharp stabbing pain, or it can be deceptively subtle, barely registering notice. But as the spider’s potent neurotoxin courses through the bloodstream, some unlucky human victims begin to develop severe symptoms. Within about an hour, the venom can cause widespread body pain, stiffness and muscle spasms, or trouble breathing.

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