U of A Researcher Developing Anti-Snake-Venom Therapy

The University of Arizona may be on the verge of a major breakthrough in treating venomous snake bites.  A U of A researcher is developing a therapy to prevent, or at least delay, the dangerous symptoms of bites by rattlers and other venomous snakes.  The biggest problem is that snake venom destroys the ability of blood to clot, and thus results in continued bleeding.  At other times, snake venom can cause abnormally fast clotting, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.  Researcher and professor Vance Nielsen has discovered that a combination of carbon monoxide and iron can inhibit snake venom's ability to block, or accelerate, blood clotting in laboratory animals.  

He's now looking for funding for further research.

Photo: Getty