Pain-inducing venom in different 'spitting' cobra lineages evolved to defend
3 institutional releases
Published in Science · View the paper (DOI)
Researchers found that spitting cobra venoms are more effective in causing pain than non-spitting counterparts. The unique trait is attributed to molecular adaptations that enhance the action of pre-existing venom cytotoxins.
Coverage from 3 institutions
- Pain-inducing venom in different 'spitting' cobra lineages evolved to defend American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) · Jan 21, 2021 · first to report
- Spitting Cobra venom reveals how evolution often finds the same answer to a common problem Bangor University · Jan 21, 2021
- Researchers demonstrate snake venom evolution for defensive purposes Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine · Jan 21, 2021