British scientists have invented a bloodstream 'cleaner' which could eventually save thousands of lives a year by quickly disabling poisons -- and it could even turn out to be an instant hangover cure.

The researchers created a molecule, which they have called Bridion, that can attach itself to unwanted substances in the bloodstream. It forms a ring around the unwanted chemical, rendering it ineffective within three minutes. The molecule has been used in trials with patients who had been given a paralyzing drug as an anesthetic in major surgery.

Bridion works specifically on those drugs, but future variants could be designed for different chemicals. Possible uses could include quick removal of alcohol from the bloodstream, a fast-acting treatment for overdoses, and a way to deactivate drugs such as paracetamol which can cause liver damage. They could also be used as an antidote for poisons and toxins, such as snake, spider and insect bites.