Collaborate Disseminate
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
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”
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
When someone gets bitten by a venomous snake, it’s crucial to administer an antivenom as soon as possible. In order to keep the victim going in the meantime, though, it turns out that an existing medication may do the trick.Continue ReadingCategory: Me… Continue reading Existing drug may help save snakebite victims
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
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
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
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
“A surprising amount of death of small vertebrates in the Amazon is likely due to arthropods such as big spiders and centipedes.” Continue reading Watch a Massive Tarantula Drag an Opossum Around Like It’s Nothing
The snake stowaway has been confiscated by the US Fish and Wildlife Services. Continue reading A Man Tried to Smuggle a Python Onto a Plane Inside a Hard Drive