A New Way to Cure Snakebites?

            Snakebites in the US are very rare, but are common in poorer areas of the world such as sun-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Current methods (such as anti-venom) for treating snakebites are expensive and not overly effective. Anti-venom only deals with certain snakes and only limits the damage of the bite. However, a few scientists at the University of California Irvine are fighting this problem.

            The group is adding a polymer to the protein of the toxins to prevent the toxin from imploding in the victim’s body and spreading. Dr. O’Brien claimed he saw the potential of the polymer when he tested it with human serum and the test tubes did not change to a scarlet color, which is usually what happens when venom comes into contact and damages red blood cells.

            Dr. Shea explains that the “nanadote” as the scientists called it, is made by absorbing the venom on sheets of nanoparticles, and keeping the venom contained so it can’t spread and cause bodily harm or injuries. This is a cheaper method than current snakebite treatment methods, and quicker too.

            There is much interest for the “nanadote,” including the U.S. Department of Defense. The Department even helped financed some of the research. The idea is to find a method to deal with snakebites when a hospital is not nearby, something U.S. troops stationed in certain areas of the world have to deal with. Hopefully, this research project will generate more interest and receive the funding it needs to continue. A cheap, synthetic antidote for fighting venom efficiently can be life saving, not just in the United States, but also for the world. The benefits definitely outweigh the cost.

Source citation: 

University of California - Irvine. "Snake bite? Chemists figure out how to easily and cheaply halt venom's spread: Molecular gel could save millions globally from death or disfigurement." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 March 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170307141217.htm>.

(Picture also from same article)