Scientists genetically tweaked a tiny, worm-like parasite to produce a life-saving antitoxin from inside a living host.
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers modified the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum so that it produces antibodies that partially neutralize the potent pufferfish poison tetrodotoxin.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.
Victoria Atkinson is a freelance science journalist, specializing in chemistry and its interface with the natural and human-made worlds. Currently based in York (UK), she formerly worked as a science content developer at the University of Oxford, and later as a member of the Chemistry World editorial team. Since becoming a freelancer, Victoria has expanded her focus to explore topics from across the sciences and has also worked with Chemistry Review, Neon Squid Publishing and the Open University, amongst others. She has a DPhil in organic chemistry from the University of Oxford.