IASST Guwahati decodes the venom of the glossy black scorpion Heterometrus bengalensis
Scientists at IASST, Guwahati, carried out the first comprehensive analysis of the venom of Heterometrus bengalensis, identifying 25 toxins from eight protein families, DST said on 5 August 2025.
Summary
The venom of Heterometrus bengalensis, a glossy black scorpion native to eastern and southern India, has been comprehensively analysed for the first time by scientists of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, DST said on 5 August 2025. The study, led by IASST Director Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, identified 25 distinct toxins spanning eight protein families. In Swiss albino mice the venom caused systemic toxicity, raised liver enzymes, organ damage and a pronounced proinflammatory response. The work was published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
Key facts
- Species
- Heterometrus bengalensis (glossy black scorpion)
- Institute
- IASST, Guwahati (DST autonomous institute)
- Finding
- 25 toxins from 8 protein families
- Lead
- Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director, IASST
- Journal
- International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Practice MCQs 1 questions
The first comprehensive venom profile of the black scorpion Heterometrus bengalensis, reported in August 2025, was prepared by scientists of an institute located in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Guwahati
The study was conducted by the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of DST.