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cover of episode New Antivenom, Thanks To 200 Intentional Snake Bites

New Antivenom, Thanks To 200 Intentional Snake Bites

2025/5/21
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Short Wave
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This chapter explores the effects of venomous snake bites, highlighting the varying health risks depending on the type of venom. Neurotoxic venoms can cause paralysis and suffocation, while others affect blood clotting or cause intense pain.
  • Tens of thousands of people die annually from venomous snake bites.
  • Venoms contain different chemicals with varying effects.
  • Neurotoxic venoms cause paralysis, while others affect blood clotting or cause pain.

Shownotes Transcript

What's it like to get bit by a venomous snake? "It's like a bee sting times a thousand," Tim Friede says. Tim would know. Over the past few decades, he's let himself be bitten over 200 times by all kinds of venomous snakes — black mambas, taipans, cobras, kraits and more. With time, he's gradually built immunity to multiple types of venom. Could scientists help him share that immunity with others? Science reporter Ari Daniel) joins Short Wave to explain how antivenom works, what scientists discovered and where the research may lead. Plus, what does Tim Friede have in common with *Princess Bride?Want to hear about more medical discoveries? Email us at [email protected]) to tell us what areas of science you'd be interested in.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave).*Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)