Killer scorpion could be cancer lifesaver

With a spine-chilling appearance and a venomous sting in the tail, the deathstalker scorpion is normally something to be avoided.

But while the beast can be a potential killer to young children with its toxic venom, scientists now reckon it could also be key to the fight against cancer.

Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) used venom from the species - the third most venomous scorpion in the world – to treat the killer disease in dogs.

And the boffins claim it led to longer lives for a group of canine sufferers, including three named Whiskey, Hot Rod and Browning.

The venom is used to make 'tumour paint' which 'lights up' cancerous cells.

The more scientific explanation is that a re-engineered molecule found in the venom latches to malignant tumours.

William Dernell, professor and chair of WSU’s veterinary clinical sciences, said: "The fluorescent substance prefers tumor cells over normal cells, allowing us to define the borders of where a tumor begins and where it ends.

"We’re always hearing about some new compound that targets tumors. From what we’ve seen, this one really does.”