Researcher Finds New Use for Botox

The research is exploring basic nerve cell function, minute changes which underlie memory and learning, and possible causes of nerve diseases.

Dr Meunier is one of seven UQ winners in the 2005 UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards announced on September 22 as a highlight of UQ Research Week 2005. He receives $80,000 in the awards.

As one research strategy, he is taking advantage of the exquisite selectivity of powerful nerve toxins such as botox or glycerotoxin to selectively dissect basic nerve cell (neuronal) processes in Australian Research Council funded research.

“Botox is the most potent neurotoxin currently known,” Dr Meunier said.

“It derives from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism (food poisoning).

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