As the world heats up, “red tide” algal blooms are becoming more common. They also produce one of the most potent neurotoxins: saxitoxin, or STX.

This neurotoxin accumulates in shellfish and can be fatal to humans if consumed. There is no antidote.

A study in Nature Communications, however, says a protein found in frogs can neutralize saxitoxin in mice. The protein, called saxiphilin, prevented and even reversed poisoning in lab mice by binding tightly to saxitoxin in the bloodstream before it reaches nerve and muscle cells, the researchers say.

“This was a problem looking for a solution,” says team lead Daniel Minor. “It turns out that one naturally occurring protein is all that’s required to take this toxin out of commission.”

Researchers are also hopeful that the discovery could lead to antidotes for other toxins that result from harmful algal blooms.

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