Toxinology is the scientific study of toxins, poisonous substances produced by living organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. This field of research focuses on understanding the chemical compositions, mechanisms of action, and effects of toxins on living organisms. Toxinologists often study the ways in which toxins interact with cells and tissues, how they are used for defense or predation by the organisms that produce them, and how they can be utilized for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. This research area has applications in areas such as drug development, toxicology, and environmental health.