Study of simplest yet most toxic venom will help explain array of genetic questions
Biologist Mark Margres with an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake on Caladesi Island, Florida.
January 26, 2021
The tiger rattlesnake possesses the simplest, yet most toxic, venom of any rattlesnake species. Now new research led by a University of South Florida biologist explains the genetics behind the predator s fearsome bite.
The research is published in the journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. USF biologist Mark Margres and his colleagues sequenced the genome of the tiger rattlesnake to understand the genotype of the venom trait. Despite the simplicity of the rattlesnake s venom, Margres says it is roughly 40 times more toxic than the venom of the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake in Florida.
Findings may help scientists better understand how other emerging diseases evolve
Scientist Andrew Storfer checks a Tasmanian devil for signs of devil tumor facial disease.
There is some good news about a wildlife pandemic that may also help scientists better understand how other emerging diseases evolve.
Researchers have found strong evidence that a transmissible cancer that has decimated Tasmanian devil populations likely won’t spell their doom.
For the first time, a U.S. National Science Foundation-funded team led by Washington State University biologist Andrew Storfer employed the genomic tools of phylodynamics, typically used to track viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, to trace Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease. The approach has opened the door for applications to other genetically complex pathogens.