Young snake. Newly-hatched Malaysian pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) on eggs. These snakes are bred for their venom,which contains an anti- coagulant drug. The drug,Ancrod,is being studied for use in treating stroke patients. It improves blood flow by reducing the amount of fibrinogen (a clotting protein) in blood plasma. Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off by a blockage or bleeding in the brain. They can lead to brain damage and are a leading cause of death. Ancrod may reduce the extent of brain damage and lower the mortality rate. Over 3000 snakes live at this facility,run by Knoll AG,a division of BASF Pharma,in Ludwigshafen,Germany | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Steger, Volker |
Taille de l’image : | 4927 px × 3739 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |