You've seen the futuristic movies where they apply some ointment or an electronic gadget to a wound that miraculously stems blood flow and heals it. That may be becoming a reality thanks to a common but very deadly snake.

9 News: (V)enom from Australia's eastern brown and a group of saw-scaled vipers could help stem uncontrolled bleeding. This is because the reptiles' venom cocktail contains proteins that help accelerate blood clotting.

The research team .. is working on a "venom gel" .. (which) remains a liquid when stored in a cool place but solidifies at body temperature to seal the wound.

Uncontrolled bleeding accounts for 40 per cent of trauma-related deaths.

Amanda Kijas: We hope this gel will accelerate the wound-healing processes needed for clotting and reducing blood flow, ultimately boosting the body's capacity to heal large wounds. .. (T)here is five times less blood loss, and clots form three times more quickly when the venom gel is applied.

It's not quite like the movies, yet, but the first step to healing is stop the blood flow. I can see how it could be a huge help for trauma victims as is.