Study resolves reptilian family tree

A new study has helped settle the controversial relationships among the major groups of lizards and snakes, and it sheds light on the origins of a group of giant fossil lizards.

A mouse's bite holds venomous potential, finds new study

We are not venomous, and neither are mice—but within our genomes lurks that potential, suggest scientists from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) and the Australian National University. ...

Death in the long grass: Myanmar's snake bite menace

Swaying with the hypnotic rhythm of the king cobra rearing up in front of him, Myanmar snake charmer Sein Tin feels protected from the venomous kiss of his dancing partner by an intricate array of "magical" tattoos.

Mystery of California's killer rattlesnakes solved

(Phys.org) —A surge in snakebite deaths caused by one of North America's most dangerous snakes has been baffling doctors, but new research may hold the key to saving lives.

Fishing-bait bloodworms have bee-sting bites

The bite of a bloodworm delivers venom that causes severe allergic reactions. Scientists studying the venom for the first time have discovered why it causes a reaction similar to that of a bee sting.

Team proposes new model for snake venom evolution

Technology that can map out the genes at work in a snake or lizard's mouth has, in many cases, changed the way scientists define an animal as venomous. If oral glands show expression of some of the 20 gene families associated ...

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