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Botulism, cosmetics and a mosquito killer
Author(s) -
Jonathan Davies
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the biochemist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.126
H-Index - 7
eISSN - 1740-1194
pISSN - 0954-982X
DOI - 10.1042/bio04106022
Subject(s) - botulism , neurotoxin , botulinum neurotoxin , deet , cosmetics , medicine , biology , dermatology , microbiology and biotechnology , toxicology , toxin , pathology
Almost everyone has heard of Botox, it's one of the brand names of a chemical injected under the skin that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, many people are unaware that the active component of Botox is actually a highly potent neurotoxin from a family of proteins called botulinum neurotoxins. These proteins are the cause of a deadly condition called botulism. They are also a highly controlled substance across the world due to their potential use as a bioweapon. In fact, these are the deadliest toxins known and they are so potent that as little as 8 billionths of a gram is enough to kill you.

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