Section:
Geography and EVS
- A new IISc study links Russell’s viper venom variation to regional climate factors like temperature and rainfall.
- Russell’s viper venom shows significant geographic variation across India.
- Scientists analysed venom from 115 vipers across 34 Indian locations to map regional venom differences.
- Protease activity, which breaks down proteins, is higher in vipers from drier regions.
- The study produced “venom maps” to visually represent venom profiles across India.
- Climate-driven venom variation challenges the effectiveness of standard antivenoms.
- Russell’s viper is one of India’s deadliest snakes, affecting blood clotting and organs.
- Region-specific venom understanding can improve snakebite treatment outcomes.
- Tailored antivenoms based on local venom profiles may boost recovery rates.
- The study was published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases and supports localised snakebite therapies.
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