The ubiquitous brown anoles that you’ve probably seen skirting around the nearest bush or tree are not only quick little roach killers, a recent study reveals that they are unaffected when exposed to levels of toxic lead that would hurt humans and other animals.

In fact, the tiny lizards have the highest lead tolerance of any vertebrate known to science.

Their ability to withstand the dangerous heavy metal — a common pollutant in urban environments — just might prove useful to human health down the line.

Lead exposure in humans, pets and wildlife can reduce cognition, harm reproduction, induce anemia, kidney, liver and heart disease. It also damages brain development in children.

A study of the lizards in New Orleans , conducted by biologists at Tulane University, showed that the inv

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