How snakes got their fangs
Ever wondered how deadly snakes evolved their fangs? The answer lies in particular microscopic features of their teeth, research led by Flinders University and the South Australian Museum suggests......»»
Snakes: Understand them, avoid them
Snakes, whether we like them or fear them, are becoming more active this time of year and activity will increase as spring temperatures climb......»»
Can some snakes do cartwheels to escape or startle predators?
In research published in Biotropica, investigators report that the Dwarf Reed Snake (Pseudorabdion longiceps) performs cartwheels when threatened. This is the first time such an active rolling motion has been documented in snakes, with images and a d.....»»
Researchers discover unique way snakes replace their teeth
A new study, led by a researcher from the Centre for Oral, Clinical & Translational Sciences at King's College London, has identified key differences in tooth replacement between snakes and other reptiles, and identified the mechanism that allows sna.....»»
Snakes can hear more than you think
A University of Queensland-led study has found that as well as ground vibrations, snakes can hear and react to airborne sound......»»
Snakes are distributed in the Chaco in accordance with adaptations to environment, study shows
Despite similarities with other Neotropical biomes like the Caatinga (a mosaic of scrub with patches of seasonally dry forest in Northeast Brazil) and Cerrado (savanna in Central Brazil), the Gran Chaco, or simply Chaco, is globally unique. Located m.....»»
A new understanding of reptile coloration
Snakes and mice don't look alike. But much of what we know about skin coloration and patterning in vertebrates generally, including in snakes, is based on lab mice. However, there are limits to what mice can tell us about other vertebrates because th.....»»
Newly-named species of tree-dwelling snakes threatened by mining
Five new tree-dwelling snake species were discovered in the jungles of Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. Conservationists Leonardo DiCaprio, Brian Sheth, Re:wild, and Nature and Culture International chose the names for three of them in honor of loved o.....»»
Family tree of major snake group rewritten and new branch of snakes found
An international team has been able to reconstruct the evolutionary tree of a major group of snakes, Elapoidea, that has proved to be a significant step towards the construction of a complete Tree of Life for snakes......»»
Florida investigation uncovers trafficking of some of the world"s most dangerous snakes
After a two-year investigation into Florida's black market trade of dangerous, venomous snakes, eight men are facing charges for their alleged participation in the deals......»»
Island tiger snakes" skulls adapt to eat large sea bird chicks
A study by researchers from the University of Adelaide and other institutions has found that in a population of island tiger snakes, the bones in their jaws increase in length after feeding on large prey, while their mainland counterparts show no cha.....»»
Researchers identify protein that counteracts key rattlesnake venom toxins
Venomous snakes cause an estimated 120,000 deaths and 400,000 disabling injuries worldwide each year, with approximately 8,000 snake bite cases in the United States alone......»»
New study finds birds build hanging-nests to protect offspring from nest invaders
A new study has found that birds build hanging-nests, particularly those with extended entrance tunnels, to help protect offspring against nest invaders like snakes and parasitic cuckoos......»»
Snakes have clitorises, scientists say, slamming research "taboo"
Female snakes have clitorises, according to the first detailed study on the subject Wednesday, in which the scientists lashed out at how little female sex organs have been researched compared to males across species......»»
New venomous snakes discovered in Colombia: Taxonomic classification facilitates medical help in case of snakebites
Together with a South American team, Senckenberg scientist Juan Pablo Hurtado-Gómez has described two new toadheaded pitvipers. To date, hardly anything is known about these venomous snakes, which are native to Colombia. The new species descriptions.....»»
What to do if your pet is bitten by a snake
The beginning of autumn brings pumpkins, falling leaves and baby snake season as snakes are born and hatched in late summer to early fall. The cooling weather also makes snakes more active, putting our curiously natured dogs and cats at higher risk o.....»»
Model calculates energetics of piercing fangs, claws and other biological weapons
Researchers have created a model that can calculate the energetics involved when one organism stabs another with its fangs, thorns, spines or other puncturing parts. Because the model can be applied to a variety of organisms, it will help scientists.....»»
How Facebook Is Saving Snakes
Snake-identification groups on social media are turning serpent haters into appreciators.....»»
Study identifies potential welfare concerns for privately kept snakes
New University of Bristol-led research has highlighted several potential welfare concerns relating to how snakes are kept in private homes including issues with enclosure size, temperature and humidity......»»
The art of getting DNA out of decades-old pickled snakes
Two levels underground, Chicago's Field Museum has a secret bunker. The sub-basement Collections Resource Center houses millions of biological specimens for scientists around the world to use in their research, including countless bottles and jars co.....»»
Study reveals evidence that bacteria can live in snake and spider venoms
Newly published research led by Northumbria University shows that, contrary to what is commonly believed, the venom of snakes and spiders is actually populated with microbes, including bacteria that could cause infection in people who have suffered a.....»»