Pythons' extreme biology may hold clues for treating human disease
Researchers are studying the extreme biological adaptations of ball pythons, such as their ability to fast for long periods and regulate organ size, to find potential medical breakthroughs for humans. Scientists believe these unique metabolic processes could offer insights into treating human diseases.
Why it matters
Translating animal biology into medical research could lead to innovative treatments for human metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.
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When Skip Maas first adopted Agrapina, a mottled ball python, she hadn't eaten in 14 months.
But as he soon observed, she was still a taut coil of spring-loaded muscle. Presented with a rat, she struck quickly, constricted it and then gorged on her meal.
And then her body performed another feat pythons are known for: It accelerated its metabolism dramatically to deal with the sudden influx of protein and fats, says Maas, "to help break down that meal and extract all of its nutrients."
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