Electrophoretic profiles and biological activities: intraspecific variation in the venom of the Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) – Daltry et al. 1996 Abstract: This snake’s venom has been thoroughly studied but the degree to which the venom actually varies from individual to individual is less clear. Using banding profiles they found that there is aContinue reading “Malayan Pit Viper- A Variety of Variation”
Author Archives: K of Kyrene
Venom Expulsion in Rattlesnakes
Mechanics of Venom Expulsion in Crotalus, with special reference to the role of the fang sheath – Young et al. 2001 Abstract: Seems the venom delivery system of rattlesnakes are capable of more regulation in venom expulsion than previously assumed. Introduction: pterygoid walk is when a snake eats something bigger than its head and itContinue reading “Venom Expulsion in Rattlesnakes”
Low Nicotine-induced Conditioned Place Preference only in Teens
Nicotine-induced conditioned place preference in adolescent and adult rats- Vastola et al. 2002 Abstract: Checked the rewarding properties of nicotine on adult and adolescent rats, found that even a low dose created a conditioned place preference in adolescents while not in adults. This increased sensitivity to the effects of nicotine during adolescence may contribute toContinue reading “Low Nicotine-induced Conditioned Place Preference only in Teens”
Dogs Enjoy Music, especially college soft rock
The effect of different genres of music on the stress levels of kenneled dogs- Bowman et al. 2017 Abstract: dogs were played 5 types of songs for 5 days of enrichment, found there to be no significant difference in barking, but significantly more barking after auditory enrichment has ended, and significantly more heart rate variabilityContinue reading “Dogs Enjoy Music, especially college soft rock”
Snake Venom Storage- Fresh>Commercial
Snake Venom Instability – Willemse & Hattingh, 1978 Abstract: Compared venom samples of rinkals (H. haemachatus), Egyptian cobra (N. haje haje), and puff adder (B arietans) via electrophoresis. Found a considerable difference between fresh and commercial samples even within species, probably because of storage conditions. Introduction: A lot of studies have shown that venom canContinue reading “Snake Venom Storage- Fresh>Commercial”
Method for Venom Extraction Matters (Scorpions)
Comparison between two methods of scorpion venom milking in Morocco – Oukkache et al. 2013 Abstract: Compared the difference between manual extraction of venom and collection through electrical stimulation. Found that electrical stimulation had a lack of hemolymph contaminants like hemocyanin while manual showed evidence of it. Hemocyanin is secreted when under stress or facedContinue reading “Method for Venom Extraction Matters (Scorpions)”
Antivenom shortage In Africa
Crisis in snake antivenom supply for Africa – Theakston & Warrell, 2000 In Africa snake bites cause hundreds of deaths and thousands of disabilities, sadly there is a shortage of antivenom thus the injuries and death are only expected to increase. Africa has 3 main antivenom producers known as SAIMR (South African Institute for MedicalContinue reading “Antivenom shortage In Africa”
Vivariums over Racks – Snake Welfare
Animal- appropriate housing of ball pythons (Python regius) – behaviour-based evaluation of two types of housing systems – Hollandt et al. 2021 Abstract: Was looking at the effects of enrichment on snake welfare by testing ball pythons (n=35) in rack systems for an 8 week duration then flipping them to an enriched environment consisting substrate,Continue reading “Vivariums over Racks – Snake Welfare”
Snake Venom Variability and Methods Pt.2
Snake Venom Variability: Methods of study, results and interpretation- Chippaux et al. 1991 Immunological Analysis: Cross-reactivity is commonly used when talking about antivenom and it basically means “how reactive is something against something else” for example some studies used polyvalent antivenoms to determine the cross-reactivity in thrombin-like enzymes of various venoms determined by blocking theirContinue reading “Snake Venom Variability and Methods Pt.2”
Snake Venom Variability and Methods Pt.1
Snake Venom Variability: Methods of study, results and interpretation- Chippaux et al. 1991 Abstract: venom variability includes multiple factors such as: interfamily, intergenus, interspecies, intersubspecies and intraspecies, geographical variation, between individuals, seasonal variations, diet, habitat, age-dependent change, and sexual dimorphism. Introduction: Venom may aid in helping the snakes both immobilize their prey as well asContinue reading “Snake Venom Variability and Methods Pt.1”
Al3xandria 