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Risus Sardonicus: Tetanus, Strychnine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Water dropwort, Neurotoxin, Human Sacrifice, UB40, Present Arms, Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes, The Sign of the Four
Risus Sardonicus Tetanus Strychnine University of Eastern Piedmont Water dropwort Neurotoxin Human Sacrifice UB40 Present Arms Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes The Sign of the Four High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Risus sardonicus is a highly characteristic, abnormal, sustained spasm of the facial muscles that appears to produce grinning. The name of the condition derives from the appearance of raised eyebrows and an open "grin" - which can appear malevolent to the lay observer - displayed by those suffering fro... more »m these muscle spasms. It is most often observed as a sign of tetanus. Poisoning with strychnine may result in a risus sardonicus. In 2009 scientists at the University of Eastern Piedmont in Italy claimed to have identified hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) as the plant responsible for producing the sardonic grin. This plant is the most-likely candidate for the "sardonic herb," which was a neurotoxic plant used for the ritual killing of elderly people in pre-Roman Sardinia.« less