Nice Genes!

Probing Pain

Nov 28, 2023

A young woman with a rare condition, Erythromelalgia, shares her experience of living with constant pain. Researchers explore the potential of platypus venom to alleviate chronic pain. The podcast delves into the unique properties of platypus venom and the challenges of studying it. It also discusses the extraction and synthesis of the venom for medical purposes.

30:13

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Quick takeaways

Studying platypus venom could provide insights into pain mechanisms and lead to the development of new treatments for chronic pain.

Genes play a significant role in how individuals perceive and experience pain, and understanding the genetic basis of pain can contribute to personalized pain management approaches.

Platypus venom has the potential to be a valuable source for innovative pain management strategies.

Understanding the genetic basis of pain can help tailor personalized approaches for pain management.

Deep dives

The Power of Platypus Venom: Seeking Solutions for Chronic Pain

In this podcast episode, the host explores the potential of platypus venom as a solution for chronic pain. The venom of male platypuses contains a potent cocktail of substances that causes excruciating pain and swelling which can last for weeks. Scientists believe that by studying this venom, they can gain insights into pain mechanisms and develop new treatments. However, obtaining the venom is challenging as platypuses are elusive and catching them in nets is difficult. The ultimate goal is to identify the specific proteins in the venom and potentially synthesize them for therapeutic purposes.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Potential of Studying Platypus Venom for Chronic Pain Relief

5min

Living with Erythromyalgia: A Personal Perspective

9min

Uncovering the Secrets of Platypus Venom

2min

Exploration and Challenges of Platypus Venom

10min

Guests, Thanks, and Sneak Peek of Next Episode

2min

Challenging our assumptions about pain

When Jackie Gonzalez was just young, doctors assumed that she was pining for attention when she restlessly tried to rub her feet and describing that she was in constant pain. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that doctors and scientists diagnosed her with Erythromelalgia, also known as ‘Man on Fire Syndrome’. It's a rare condition, and even rarer for people to be born with it, like Jackie was. But what if this uncommon ailment could be cured with the help of an even less common animal?

Dr. Kaylee Byers sits down with Adele Gonzalvez from the University of Sydney on her work to understand the genetic properties of platypus venom. Researchers indicate that their peculiar toxin could put a halt to chronic pain. Meanwhile, producer Sean Holden, puts on rubber waders and sloshes into the boggy waters of Southern Australia to find the notoriously elusive platypus and its venom.

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Highlights:

(6:28) A lifetime of pain, Jackie Gonzalez on having Erythromelalgia

(13:51) A weird and wonderful platypus with Adele Gonzalvez

(21:30) On the platypus prowl, Josh Griffith and his team search for platypus and their venom

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Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/3Nv5X6v

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Resources:

Next-gen painkillers from nature’s deadliest life forms | The University of Queensland

Chronic Pain Among Adults — United States, 2019–2021 | MMWR and Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

You Won’t Think the Platypus Is So Cute if You Feel the Excruciating Pain of Its Venom | Slate