9780374537104 |
(pbk.) |
9780374283377 |
0374283370 |
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Summary
Summary
A thrilling tale of encounters with nature's masters of biochemistry
"A fitting tribute to one of nature's most sinister creations of all." --Carl Zimmer, author of Parasite Rex
In Venomous , the molecular biologist Christie Wilcox investigates venoms and the animals that use them, revealing how they work, what they do to the human body, and how they can revolutionize biochemistry and medicine today.
Wilcox takes us from the coast of Indonesia to the rain forests of Peru in search of the secrets of these mysterious animals. We encounter jellyfish that release microscopic venom-packed darts known to kill humans in just two minutes, a two-inch caterpillar with toxic bristles that trigger hemorrhaging throughout the body, and a stunning blue-ringed octopus with saliva capable of inducing total paralysis. How could an animal as simple as a jellyfish evolve such an intricate, deadly poison? And how can a snake possess enzymes that tear through tissue yet leave its own body unscathed? Wilcox meets the fearless scientists who often risk their lives studying these lethal beasts to find out, and puts her life on the line to examine these species up close. Drawing on her own research on venom chemistry and evolution, she also shows how venom is helping us untangle the complex mechanisms of some of our most devastating diseases.
Venomous reveals that the animals we fear the most actually hold the keys to a deeper understanding of evolution, adaptation, and immunity. Thrilling and surprising at every turn, Venomous will change the way you think about our natural world.
Author Notes
Christie Wilcox is a scientist and an award-winning science writer. Her writing has appeared in Discover, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Scientific American, Slate, and Popular Science. Visit her website at www.christiewilcox.com. Follow her on Twitter at @NerdyChristie.
Reviews (1)
Library Journal Review
In this engaging mixture of science and anecdote, Wilcox (molecular biology, Univ. of Hawaii) explores venom-the peptide-protein substance animals use to defend themselves and subdue prey. It's an evil brew, but, paradoxically, as the burgeoning field of venom "bioprospecting" is discovering, what kills also cures. Readers learn how recent developments in research methods have opened up the pharmacopeia hidden in venom and get a look at therapeutics to come. Wilcox drills down to the molecular level to explain how two types of venom-hemotoxic and neurotoxic-function, how they have evolved, and what they teach us about the human body. The author relates how she was drawn to the topic by her love for animals, which is evident in her descriptions of some fantastic (if fearsome) creatures: the platypus, bullet ant, Komodo dragon, cone snail, box jellyfish, Gila monster, blue-ringed octopus-each of which can maim, destroy, and inflict unimaginable pain. All in all, this is a jolly read considering the occasionally gruesome subject matter. VERDICT Wilcox chronicles the history, present, and future of venom science in a fashion that nonspecialist readers will understand, without depriving her subject of its terrifying, utterly provocative aspects.- Robert Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Table of Contents
Preface | p. ix |
1 Masters of Physiology | p. 3 |
2 Death Becomes Them | p. 21 |
3 Of Mongeese and Men | p. 41 |
4 To the Pain | p. 68 |
5 Bleed it Out | p. 95 |
6 All the Better to Eat You with | p. 120 |
7 Don't Move | p. 137 |
8 Mind Games | p. 158 |
9 Lethal Lifesavers | p. 177 |
Notes | p. 193 |
Acknowledgments | p. 223 |
Index | p. 225 |