Tunneling snake robot takes cues from nature to keep its head in the sand

Robots are great at exploring land, sea, sky and space, but one environment that’s trickier for them to navigate is through the ground. Now, engineers at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Georgia Tech have developed a snake-like robot that uses a range of me… Continue reading Tunneling snake robot takes cues from nature to keep its head in the sand

Submersible snake-inspired robot can inspect ships and infrastructure

Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have spent a number of years developing modular snake-like robots for all kinds of purposes, and the latest adaptation sees its serpent-inspired tech headed underwater. The team has developed a submersible… Continue reading Submersible snake-inspired robot can inspect ships and infrastructure

Snakes spotted forming “lassos” to climb in surprising new videos

Scientists have observed snakes using an entirely unknown way of getting around. Brown tree snakes in Guam have been spotted climbing objects by wrapping themselves into a never-before-seen “lasso” shape.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Snakes, A… Continue reading Snakes spotted forming “lassos” to climb in surprising new videos

Inexpensive antivenom could reportedly be used by “anyone, anywhere”

While snakebite antivenom is certainly a lifesaver, it’s also expensive, time-consuming to produce, and must be administered by trained clinicians. A new low-cost type of antivenom, however, could conceivably be self-applied right away, on the spot.Con… Continue reading Inexpensive antivenom could reportedly be used by “anyone, anywhere”

European viper’s zig-zag pattern provides three-in-one protection

Scientists at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland have shown that the simple zig-zag pattern on the back of the European viper serves three different purposes; it helps it avoid detection; warns predators off if noticed; and can hide the snake’s mov… Continue reading European viper’s zig-zag pattern provides three-in-one protection

Study suggests snake venom evolved as a means of offense, not defense

When it comes to human interactions with venomous snakes, we tend to think of that venom as something that was “designed” mainly for defense. A new study, however, suggests that it evolved first and foremost as a means of killing prey.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Study suggests snake venom evolved as a means of offense, not defense

Snake-inspired robot slithers and climbs over obstacles

Engineers from Johns Hopkins have looked to how snakes move around to inform the design of a nimble new robot. It is hoped that the development could lead to search and rescue bots able to tackle all kinds of obstacles with ease.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Snake-inspired robot slithers and climbs over obstacles

Rattlesnake venom compound points to promising new painkiller

New research has found a toxin extracted from the venom of a South American rattlesnake can function as an effective analgesic for neuropathic pain. The Brazilian study reveals the venom’s toxicity can be reduced by encapsulating it in tiny silica part… Continue reading Rattlesnake venom compound points to promising new painkiller

Venomous snake fangs inspire new microneedle drug-delivery system

For several years now, we’ve been hearing about “microneedle patches” that deliver medication less painfully and more safely than hypodermic needles. A new take on the technology may allow them to work even better, by copying the structure of… Continue reading Venomous snake fangs inspire new microneedle drug-delivery system