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ESTERO
If you've lived long enough in southwestern Florida, you've already seen these pesky larvae. Experts constantly advise keeping pets away from dangerous cane toads, but their venom may even help you in the future.
Toads are probably in your yard and deadly.
"I know that they are very important for some reason," said Alexis Fulton, a student at Florida Gulf Coast University.
"More and more sugarcane toads in this region are primarily from increased development," said Taylor Hancock, a graduate student of the FGCU. "Any pet, such as a dog or cat … can potentially kill them."
But toxins from these toads can be a potential benefit to your health.
Dr. Martha Rosenthal, professor of neuroscience and physiology at FGCU, said these toads have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects, which may one day help those with devastating diseases.
A chemical in toads affects serotonin. It is similar to antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. But Dr. Rosenthal warned not to get into research.
"I feel the need to say do not lick toads because it contains toxic substances and it will not be fun," said Dr. Rosenthal.
With the rain announcing this week, you will probably see more toads wandering southwest of Florida. In these tough skinned animals, potentially useful chemicals are mixed with the deadly products. That's one of the reasons we need so many studies before putting anything in a pill bottle.
"I do not think it will be right in CVS [Pharmacy]Dr. Rosenthal said, "But if, after years of study, we find an approved medical use, it could be a prescription drug."
Until then, we must face the toad invasion with caution as scientists strive to achieve important medical breakthroughs.
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