A hangover-fighting enzyme, the failure of a promising snakebite treatment, and how ants change lion behavior
Jan 25, 2024
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Snake venom antidotes, failed snakebite treatment, silk-producing crustaceans, mutualism between ants and spiny trees, cascading effects on lions, ants in different systems within Kenya
Exploring alternatives to traditional anti-venom treatments for snakebites by investigating humanized antibodies as a potentially safer and more effective option.
Discovering that the enzyme A-LDH1B1, involved in alcohol metabolism, also plays a role in supporting the body's defenses against viruses, opening up possibilities for further research on the interplay between alcohol and viral defense mechanisms.
Deep dives
Snake venom alternative to anti-venom
Scientists are exploring alternatives to traditional anti-venom treatments for snakebites. Current anti-venom treatments, which use antibodies derived from animals, can cause allergic reactions and require controlled hospital settings. Researchers are investigating humanized antibodies as a potentially safer and more effective alternative. A team of scientists was close to finding a promising antibody for muscle damage caused by snakebites, but a final test revealed unexpected harmful effects. Despite the setback, the researchers published their findings to alert others in the field to potential issues with toxin-specific antibodies.
The unexpected role of an enzyme in alcohol breakdown and viral defense
An enzyme known as A-LDH1B1, involved in the breakdown of alcohol in the body, has been found to have additional functions. Researchers discovered that this enzyme not only aids in alcohol metabolism but also contributes to the body's defenses against viruses. When the enzyme is absent, cells become much more susceptible to viral infection. While the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, the enzyme appears to play a role in supporting the body's innate immune system. This finding opens up possibilities for further research on the interplay between alcohol metabolism and viral defense mechanisms.
Crustaceans that produce silk
A new discovery reveals that certain crustaceans in the ocean are capable of producing silk-like fibers, similar to spiders and silkworms. While the existence of these fibers had been known to scientists who studied the crustaceans, it was not previously considered a significant topic in the study of silk. These crustaceans, which resemble shrimp, produce silk that possesses unique properties due to their underwater environment. The potential applications and properties of their silk are still unknown, but this discovery expands the understanding of silk production beyond spiders and silkworms.
Next on the show, the cascading effects of an invading ant. Douglas Kamaru, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Zoology & Physiology at the University of Wyoming, discusses how the disruption of a mutually beneficial relationship between tiny ants and spiny trees in Kenya led to lions changing their hunting strategies.
This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.