Does environmental enrichment really matter? A case study using the eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus- Rosier & Langkilde, 2011 Abstract: Little is known about reptilian environmental enrichment, thus was investigated by using Eastern Fence Lizards that spend most of their time in trees or high ledges. They implemented solely climbing enrichment and found there toContinue reading “Subject-Specific Enrichment > Anthropomorphic Enrichment”
Author Archives: K of Kyrene
Valuable Components in Rear-Fanged Venom
Rear-fanged snake venoms: an untapped source of novel compounds and potential drug leads – Saviola et al. 2014 Abstract: Venoms are very useful, in snake venoms specifically the most useful components are disintegrins and proteases from viper venoms and are used for anti-cancer and hemostatic dysfunction activities. This study looks at rear fanged colubrid snakeContinue reading “Valuable Components in Rear-Fanged Venom”
Morris Water Maze-taking it back to basics
Developments of a water-maze procedure for studying spatial learning in the rat- Morris, 1984 Abstract: Outlines procedures for 1. automatically tracking the spatial location of a rat without using attached light-emitting diodes, 2. studying different aspects of spatial memory (ex. working memory), 3. studying non-spatial discrimination learning. Introduction: The essential feature of the Morris waterContinue reading “Morris Water Maze-taking it back to basics”
Malayan Pit Viper- A Variety of Variation
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”
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”
Al3xandria 