Human blood utilized in the production of antivenom for nineteen lethal snake species
Squirm while you heal: Snake yoga's wacky California twist
Combine your downward dog with slithering serpents - that's the unique experience offered by a California yoga studio through "snake yoga" sessions. Participants get a limber workout and a close encounter with ball pythons.
Meanwhile, scientists have discovered a groundbreaking antivenom formula - and a man's extraordinary blood played a pivotal role in its development.
For nearly two decades, Tim Friede, a self-taught venom expert from Wisconsin, intentionally exposed himself to the poison of deadly snakes. In a study, researchers found antibodies in his blood that neutralize toxins from 19 of the world's deadliest snakes, including the black mamba, king cobra, and rattlesnake. By combining these specific antibodies with a toxin-blocking drug, they created a potent antivenom cocktail.
Sounds like snake oil? Think again. In mouse trials, this antidote was effective against venom from 13 snake species, and offered partial protection against six additional species. With more testing, it could save countless lives, particularly in rural areas where effective antivenoms are scarce.
Friede jumped at the opportunity to contribute to the research. "Helping humanity is what it's all about," he says. Given his history, that's quite a statement. Over the years, he intentionally subjected himself to over 850 episodes of venom exposure, including multiple bites and hundreds of self-administered doses of snake venom.
As the world grapples with the rise of deadly snakebites, Friede's extraordinary immune system might just be our best defense. While we're still as far from "snake yoga" antidotes as the distance between California and the world's deadliest snakes, this research brings us one step closer to a universal antivenom - and that's something to lay our mats down over.
- The intramuscular injection of the new antivenom formula, developed by scientists, could potentially save countless lives, particularly in medical-conditions where effective antivenoms are scarce.
- In contrast to the recent discovery in science, some people might choose to participate in health-and-wellness activities like snake yoga, which involves close encounters with ball pythons.
- Despite the risks involved, Tim Friede, a self-taught venom expert, has made a significant contribution to the development of the antivenom by donating his blood, which contains antibodies that neutralize toxins from deadly snakes.
- The effectiveness of the antivenom, initially tested on mice, shows promise against the venom of 13 snake species and offers partial protection against six additional species, a real breakthrough in the field of health.
- While the idea of using antivenom developed from snake yoga could be far-fetched, the research into universal antivenom, inspired by Tim Friede's immune system, brings us one step closer to a future where deadly snakebites may be a thing of the past.
