Researchers discover antibody capable of neutralizing venom from a wide variety of snake species across the globe; discovery may lead to universal antidote for snakebites.
Researchers discover antibody capable of neutralizing venom from a wide variety of snake species across the globe; discovery may lead to universal antidote for snakebites.
Neat!
My biggest fear in life is getting bitten by two different snakes at around the same time. So this is great news.
This is more about the hospital having the right antivenom in stock when you need it. They won't have to keep stock of dozens of different antivenom just in case some one encounters a rare snake. They also won't need to identify the snake that bit you.
"It was a snake, I don't know. I was too busy running to try to identify it!"
Inb4 BIG SNEK starts their propaganda campaign against this
Hold up. I thought there are different kinds of snake venom that cause separate types of chemical reactions. How can a universal antidote be made when the venoms target different stuff in a victim's body?
I did a quick read of the article, and it uses antibodies that target the venom rather than directly protecting the bodys cells.
“This antibody works against one of the major toxins found across numerous snake species that contribute to tens of thousands of deaths every year,” says senior author Joseph Jardine, PhD, assistant professor of immunology and microbiology at Scripps Research
Says that it would protect against snake bites from cobras and mambas, but not vipers. The technology existing however will make it a lot easier to find which antibodies work against viper venom.
The idea is that the antibody allows you immune system to attack the venom and destroy it before it does too much damage.
Permanently Deleted
Hope this works for the sneaky bastard that got up right next to me in the park yesterday.
This is why Iive where the air hurts my face.