Thu Sep 19 09:00:01 UTC 2024: ## New Tool Helps Scientists Unravel the Secrets of Snake Venom

**Chicago, IL** – Scientists have developed a new tool called VenomCap, which allows for faster and more efficient analysis of snake venom genes. The tool, described in a recent study published in the journal *Molecular Ecology Resources*, could lead to a better understanding of snake evolution and help in the development of more effective antivenoms.

While only about 10% of the world’s snake species possess venom powerful enough to harm humans, snakebites remain a significant public health concern. Knowing the specific components of a snake’s venom is crucial for developing antivenoms and understanding how different venom types affect the body.

VenomCap works by targeting a specific group of genes known to be involved in venom production. This approach is much faster and more efficient than sequencing the entire genome of a snake, which is a lengthy and expensive process.

The researchers tested VenomCap on tissue samples from 24 different snake species within the medically important Elapidae family, which includes cobras, mambas, and coral snakes. The tool successfully identified known venom-producing genes in these snakes with an average accuracy of 76%.

“VenomCap can be used with previously collected tissues from anywhere in a snake’s body, rather than needing to come from the venom glands directly,” explains Sara Ruane, the study’s senior author. “This makes it much easier to study the relationships between a snake’s lifestyle and the venom it produces.”

The ability to rapidly analyze venom genes could provide valuable insights into snake evolution, revealing how venom changes in response to environmental factors and prey selection. This knowledge could also be used to develop more targeted antivenoms, which are desperately needed in regions where snakebite is a common and potentially fatal threat.

“Snakebite is considered a neglected disease on the global scale,” emphasizes Ruane. “In many parts of the world, access to medical care is limited, and antivenom supplies are often scarce. VenomCap could provide crucial data to help us develop more effective treatments and save lives.”

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