Brazil's banana spider aids erectile dysfunction treatment

Three decades ago, Brazilian researchers began studying a curious side effect from banana spider bites, the toxin left victims with priapism, a painful and persistent erection.

The scientists were inspired to develop a synthetic molecule using some properties of the spider's poison to create a gel to treat erectile dysfunction, which is now undergoing promising clinical trials. 

Covered in thick brown hair, and with a maximum size of up to 15 centimeters, the spider is one of the most poisonous in the world.  It is found in several South American countries, and was nicknamed for its common presence in banana plantations, but it is also called the "wandering spider" or "armed spider."