K of Kyrene

Snake fecal analysis method notes

Fecal samples were kept at -20 degrees Celsius Fecal prep: The feces were thawed and 1g of wet weight was added to 1000 microlitre double distilled water and vortexed for 30secs with stuart SA8. Serial dilutions were made of the fecal homogenate from 10^-1 to -10 with double distilled water. These dilutions were titrated andContinue reading “Snake fecal analysis method notes”

Venom Collection from Duvernoys Gland

Properties of Duvernoys Secretions from opisthoglyphous and aglyphous colubrid snakes – Weinstein & Kardong, 1994 Extraction of duvernoys secretions: methods, yields and storage: The normal milking technique is not suitable for snakes with rear fangs and duvernoys glands that have weak venom release systems. Also electrical stimulation doesn’t work well given their altered muscle structureContinue reading “Venom Collection from Duvernoys Gland”

Girls want girls – Rats benefit from group housing

Short Communication: Rat’s Demand for Group Size – Patterson-Kane et al. 2004 Abstract: Since social isolation can be detrimental to rat welfare, pair housing and group housing were explored. The study was conducted using the following group sizes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 rats. Pair housing was beneficial in reducing aggression and disease. InContinue reading “Girls want girls – Rats benefit from group housing”

How not to do a snake enrichment study -_-

THE EFFECT OF VARIED ENRICHMENT TYPES ON SNAKE BEHAVIOR – Krishnan et al., 2022 Abstract: 18 species of snakes from 2 families of colubridae and pythonidae were exposed to 4 types of enrichment consisting of humid hide, olfactory, climbing and suspended hide. Baseline observations and observations for 2hrs post introduction were conducted, there was noContinue reading “How not to do a snake enrichment study -_-“

Using MRIs for snake venom gland observation

This is gonna be a bit different than usual posts cause it will be an amalgamation of a couple papers to piece it together for my own experiment with western hognose snakes. Evolution and diversification of the toxicofera reptile venom system- Fry et al., 2009– My experiment will be using western hognose snakes in variousContinue reading “Using MRIs for snake venom gland observation”

Anesthesia is the best venom extraction method

Biochemistry and pharmacology of colubrid snake venoms – Mackessy, 2002 Extraction of venom from colubrid snakes– these types of snakes (including western hognose snakes) have a weak delivery system because of low pressure which means using the normal forced milking process of pressing the venom glands physically results in low venom yields. Also given thatContinue reading “Anesthesia is the best venom extraction method”

Venom Analysis via Saliva (Hognose snake)

Evidence of mild toxicity in the saliva of the hognose snake (Heterodon) – McAlister, 1963 Introduction: This paper focuses on whether the saliva of H. platyrhinos is venomous to small animals. Previous studies looking at different snakes that are deemed as non-venomous showing swelling/toxic effects after bites are mentioned in this study. Methods:n=3 adult femalesContinue reading “Venom Analysis via Saliva (Hognose snake)”

Human Cognition and Culture – Witchcraft and Slavery (first 14pgs)

Witchcraft, Poison, Law, and Atlantic Slavery – Paton, 2012 The use of these kinds of things was widespread with slaves in Dominica using grave dirt in bottles, and Georgia slaves using conjure bags

Human Cognition and Culture – Voodoo & Christianity

The Vodun Way of Death: Cultural Symbiosis of Roman Catholicism and Vodun in Haiti – 1979 Africanism in Haitian Vodun The Dessounin Ritual of Death:The Degeneration and Regeneration of Being Conclusion: Vodun death rituals have pieces of Christianity as seen with the presence of Christian prayers and religious artifacts used in the rituals. The symbiosisContinue reading “Human Cognition and Culture – Voodoo & Christianity”

Rattlesnake venom gland removal

Surgical removal of the poison glands of rattlesnakes – Tait, 1938 Introduction: – This publication focuses on the removal of venom glands from a snake via anesthesia with the intention of it returning back to captivity in relatively perfect health. This was to aid in physiological experiments without the fear of being bitten. The procedureContinue reading “Rattlesnake venom gland removal”