Disappearing snakes and the biodiversity crisis. sciencedaily.com. February 13, 2020. Summary: A new study should sound alarm bells regarding the ‘biodiversity crisis’ or the loss of wildlife around the world. Tropical snake (eyelash viper) (stock image). Credit: © ondrejprosicky / Adobe Stock A Michigan State University- and University of Maryland-led study should sound alarm bells regarding […]

How just drops of viper venom pack a deadly punch. eurekalert.org. June 01, 2018. A bite from a lancehead snake can be fatal. Species in the family, found throughout Central and South America, have venom that can disrupt blood clotting and cause hemorrhage, strokes and kidney failure.CAPTIONResearchers studying venom from Bothrops jararaca (shown) and related […]

The new yellow sea snake assumes an unusual ambush posture. eurekalert.org. July 31, 2017. Carrying its petite frame and all-yellow skin, the recently scrutinized sea snake populations from Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, already seem different enough to be characterized as a new subspecies. However, their most extraordinary trait is only exposed at night when the […]

5 Medical Calculators for Exotic Animal Bites and Risk. By  John Svirbely. blog.medicalalgorithms.com. Some people are drawn to the exotic or esoteric, including their choice of pets. Exotic pets have become widespread in the United States and many other countries. While a source of enjoyment for the owners, these pets can cause serious problems and present […]

Snake black market poses risk to humans and wildlife. sciencedaily.com. November 17, 2016. Summary: The illegal reptile trade, including venomous snakes, could put wildlife, the environment and human lives at risk, a new study has found.The illegal reptile trade, including venomous snakes, could put wildlife, the environment and human lives at risk, a new study […]

Snakebites a Rising Danger for U.S. Children. medlineplus.gov.  October 20, 2016. Florida, Texas account for one-quarter of nation’s attacks, study finds.More than 1,300 U.S. kids suffer snakebites each year on average, with one in four attacks occurring in Florida and Texas, a new study reveals.All 50 states and Washington, D.C., reported snakebites to children between […]

Snake eyes: New insights into visual adaptations. sciencedaily.com.  August 16, 2016. Summary:New insights into the relationship between ultraviolet (UV) filters and hunting methods in snakes is one of the findings of the first major study of visual pigment genes and lenses in snakes.Tree viper / Atheris squamigera.Credit: © mgkuijpers / FotoliaSnakes have adapted their vision […]

Analysis of media reporting reveals new information about snakebites and how and when they occur. eurekalert.org. June 23, 2016. A report in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine shows that snakebites are more likely to occur by surprise in natural conditions than from the intentional handling of snakes. The majority of snakebites are often perceived as being "illegitimate," […]

One snake’s prey is another’s poison: Scientists pinpoint genetics of extreme resistance.sciencedaily.com. June 09, 2016. Summary:Scientists have found that the ancestors of garter snakes gained toxin-resistant nerves almost 40 million years ago.A select group of garter snakes can thank their ancestors for the ability to chow down on a poisonous newt and live to tell […]

The chem-hiss-try of snake venom (video). eurekalert.org. April 19, 2016.  We know poisonous snakes are dangerous, but what exactly makes venom so powerful? Evolutionary biology tells us why venom is useful for snakes, but chemistry tells us how venom works. This week, Reactions sheds some light on the proteins in venom, as well as its […]

The slippery secret of snakes.sciencedaily.com. October 20, 2015.  Summary: A shed skin of the California King Snake, examined in molecular detail by a team of researchers in Oregon and Germany, may have just yielded one of the reptile’s slippery secrets. Using a combination of techniques that allowed the team to explore how molecules are arranged […]

Coral snake venom reveals a unique route to lethality.sciencedaily.com. February 9, 2015. Summary: For more than a decade, a vial of rare snake venom refused to give up its secret formula for lethality; its toxins had no effect on the proteins that most venoms target. Finally, an international team of researchers figured out its recipe: […]