Zootoxins affect a wide range of physiological processes and are therefore of great interest for drug research. An international study led by Björn von Reumont of Goethe University Frankfurt has identified novel toxins from the cave-dwelling underwater crustacean Xibalbanus tulumensis that inhibit various ion channels. The discovery opens up promising pharmacological applications. The species is found exclusively in the cenote caves that were once sacred to the Maya.