Researchers at the University of California, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Marine Biological Laboratory, have created a cellular probe that combines a tarantula toxin with a fluorescent compound to help scientists observe electrical activity in neurons and other cells. The probe binds to a voltage-activated potassium ion channel subtype, lighting up when the channel is turned off and dimming when it is activated. This is … Continue reading Tarantula venom illuminates electrical activity in live neurons for the first time.