Herpetology and modern medicine.

I thought this was kind if cool so I
thought I would share. Just a few more reasons to appreciate the hobby. :)
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/14/ene8ugy7.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/14/6urybury.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/14/y2a8abe9.jpg

This reference was found in :

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/14/8ama3ehu.jpg

It's very interesting, and sadly something many people don't realize or care to recognize. When I was writing up a species account for the red diamond rattlesnake at work, I was asked to include information about why rattlesnakes are important. They probably originally were thinking in terms of ecology and rodent control, but it prompted me to do some more research. Guess what I found?

Rattlesnake venom is currently being used in medical studies to treat cancer.

http://www.koat.com/news/new-mexico/...z/-/index.html


What better reason to protect and respect a hated and maligned species?

Some more information pertaining to the study of rattlesnake venom and its possible use for the cure of cancer. :)

http://www.popsci.com/science/articl...l?cmpid=mobify

Drug Derived From Gila Monster Saliva Helps Diabetics Control Glucose, Lose Weight.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0709175815.htm

Mexican Salamander Helps Uncover Mysteries of Stem Cells and Evolution

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0711205804.htm

The blood of crocodiles and alligators contains agents that have been found to destroy significant amounts of HIV.
I attached a link with the article. :)
http://usherp.org/2013/04/12/alligator-antibacterial/