Recent studies conducted by the Italian National Research Council point out new and alarming details on the effects and properties of Botox . The tests were made on laboratory rats, having their whisker muscles injected with the toxin and after close examination, within three days, scientists discovered traces of potentially deadly botulism in the subjects’ brain stems.

The studies showed that the toxin traveled from one hippocampus, controlling long-term memory and spatial navigation, to the hippocampus on the other side of the brain, still being present after six months.

The botulinum toxin is one of the most poisonous substances found on Earth. A very common soil bacterium called Clostridium botulinum produces it and the effect is an interruption of communication between nerve cells by destroying the SNAP-25, the neurotransmitter controlling protein, which leads to the paralyzing of injected muscles.

Its paralyzing properties were initially used for the treating of strabismus (crossed eyes), migraines and the chronic and severe muscle spasms. More recently, Botox became a big hit among people over 30 who take great interest in their appearance, using it to make lines and wrinkles less visible.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began additional tests, knowing that rats and humans have a different physiology and responses are sure to vary, stating that the tests will remain inconclusive until further investigations.

According to Christopher von Bartheld, neuroscientist of the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, there is no need for alarm: "Botox has been used for more than 25 years with very few complications, unless you overdose. ... I don't think fear is warranted," as quoted by ScienceNow.