Spider venom could lead to breast cancer cure, say scientists

Australian scientists are studying spider venom with the hope it could hold the key to curing breast cancer.

James Cook University (JCU) Professor Norelle Daly has received a $205,000 research grant from the National Breast Cancer Foundation to analyze whether the venom of tarantulas and funnel web spiders can kill breast cancer cells.

"Spider venom could hold great potential," said the biochemist, who joined JCU last month. "This is early days and we're doing preliminary research that we hope will go somewhere."