Pythons' extreme biology – shrinking hearts and months without food – may unlock human disease treatments

Pythons can survive for months without food, rapidly restart their metabolism after a meal, and temporarily grow and then shrink the size of their hearts. Scientists are studying this extreme biology in the hope of uncovering mechanisms relevant to treating human diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. The snake's ability to dramatically remodel its internal organs is considered exceptional among vertebrates.

Should animal studies on pythons guide the development of human disease treatments?

NPR Health · 11d ago · Source ↗

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Pythons' extreme biology – shrinking hearts and months without food – may unlock human disease treatments

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