This small sea snail, a native of the Caribbean, uses its venom to paralyze or kill its prey. However, scientists have discovered that the venom contains a compound that appears to act as long-lasting pain relief. The findings show it may be possible to create a new pain therapy for chronic pain patients who have run out of options. The venom compound has a different—beneficial—impact on the nervous system than opioids, such as morphine, which are addictive and can cause some serious side-effects.