Prof Adams' research focuses on membrane receptors and ion channels. He is internationally recognised for his contributions to membrane physiology, in particular, that of ion channel function and modulation using electrophysiological recording techniques. In the last 20 years, he has identified novel peptides (conotoxins) obtained from the venom of cone snails as probes for ion channel structure and function. This research has focused on investigating conotoxins that selectively target the voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and G protein-coupled GABA(B) receptor modulation of calcium and potassium channels.