The ITER experiment is under construction at a site in southern France, with first plasma operations scheduled for 2025. The tokamak building is the mirrored structure at center. Photo credit Courtesy ITER Organization/EJF Riche.

The biggest magnet in the world comes to France

ITER or the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, currently under construction at Cadarache in the South of France, is getting ready to receive the biggest magnet in the world.

The Gila monster, a North American lizard whose venom component can treat diabetes (Piaxabay)

The Gila monster, a North American lizard whose venom component can treat diabetes (Piaxabay)

These venomous animals that wish us well

The venom of snakes, scorpions, sea anemones, marine cones, hymenopteran insects (bees, hornets, etc.), amphibians (frogs), etc. contains a treasure trove of molecules with therapeutic potential. Jean-Marc Sabatier, director of research at the CNRS at the Institute of Neuro-Physiopathology (INP) of the University of Aix-Marseille, has made this his specialty.