99% Invisible Science Vs Snakes
Mar 30, 2021
Wendy Zuckerman, host of the podcast Science Vs, joins to unravel the deadly world of snakes and their venom. The discussion dives into alarming statistics on snakebite fatalities and the inefficiencies in antivenom production. Listeners hear a gripping survival story of a man racing against time after a snake bite, underscoring the vital role of medical intervention. Fascinating insights into snake behavior reveal their unique personalities and even their hidden auditory skills, challenging our perceptions of these misunderstood reptiles.
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Pete Bethune's Snake Bite
- Conservationist Pete Bethune was bitten by a fer-de-lance, the deadliest snake in Central America.
- He barely survived after a harrowing journey through the rainforest to reach antivenom.
Snake Bite Fatalities
- Snakebites cause 100,000 deaths annually, exceeding shark-related fatalities.
- Many deaths result from delayed access to antivenom, highlighting a critical issue.
Snake Venom Complexity
- Snake venom contains up to 200 toxins, each with different effects, like attacking muscles or nerves.
- Some toxins combine to create synergistic, more lethal effects.