Science
According to scientists, the newly discovered new type of Botox is “the most deadly substance known to humans at the moment.”
They have not revealed the DNA structure of this substance because they will not yet find an antidote.
For the first time, the scientific community decided not to disclose detailed information about the substance, but the decision was taken as a precautionary measure.
According to New Scientist, just one two-billionth gram, or inhaling one thirteenth gram of botulinum toxin protein is enough to kill a person.
It should be noted that this neurotoxin is secreted by the anaerobic gram-positive bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
The toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, an organic molecule that plays the role of a neurotransmitter in the human body, making muscles work.
If a bacterium enters the human body, for example, if it is found in food, it can lead to the development of botulism and can often be fatal.
Bacterial victims are treated with artificially created antibodies and are able to respond to 7 different types: A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F and G, currently known.
Stephen Arnon and colleagues from the California Department of Health in Sacramento recently reported that they found an eighth type of toxin – type H – in stool tests in a child who has typical symptoms of botulism were observed.
“Since antitoxins have not yet been created that could neutralize the new botulinum toxin, scientists have consulted in detail with representatives of many relevant US government agencies,” according to the editors of the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Read also: 10 deadly poisons and their effects on humans
Some of the most dangerous chemicals on Earth
5. Strychnine
This substance was derived in 1818 from chilibuha seeds (Strychnos nux-vomica). Strychnine is highly toxic and can be used as a pesticide. Previously, the chemical was used as a deratization agent. It is on the list of extremely dangerous substances.
4. Herd
When this nerve agent, when liquid, enters the skin, it can cause severe miosis (pupil constriction). This rotting chemical was first obtained before World War II. Using a herd can cause convulsions and paralysis. It is not fatal on its own, but its “successful” use during the war led to the development of deadly toxins such as ricin and soman.
3. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)
It is currently the most toxic organic compound known. It is also called Agent Orange and was used as a chemical weapon in the Vietnam War by the US military as part of a vegetation eradication program. It has caused severe skin injuries and even prenatal deformities.
2. V&Gas, VX
This chemical warfare agent acts on the human nervous system and is currently the most toxic, artificial synthesized substance. It was created in the 1950s as a pesticide, but later it was decided to destroy all stocks of this chemical on Earth.
1. Batrachotoxin
This is the strongest poison that can be found in the skin glands of certain types of dart frogs. The poison became known after the public learned about its use in making toxic darts – they were smeared with frog excrement. The frogs themselves do not produce a toxin – it appears after the frog has digested a previously eaten beetle from the Melirida family.