Professor Lourdes J. Cruz of the Marine Science Institute of UP Diliman was recently awarded the prestigious "For Women In Science" award in Paris, France along with four other female scientist from around the world. Her initial foray into the world of poisonous snails was triggered by the desire to find out what in these snails actually killed people. But despite being a surprisingly dangerous animal (the little cone snail hunts for fish by extending a harpoon-like tooth filled with venom, which paralyzes its prey), the threat to humans remains low.

Carpio, A. N. (2010, March 14). A snail's tale, by Dr. Lourdes Cruz. The Philippine Star, pp. K-4, K-3.