Happy Atheist Forum

General => Science => Topic started by: Dave on March 08, 2017, 06:36:27 PM

Title: First take thou dragon's blood . . .
Post by: Dave on March 08, 2017, 06:36:27 PM
The bite of the Komodo dragon is poisonous because of all the nasties that live in its mouth - they really love a nice rotted goat for lunch!

But, they don't seem to get ill . . . Even when they bite each other.

QuoteKomodo dragons, the world's largest lizards, are not animals you'd want to meet in a dark alleyway—or anywhere else, for that matter. They grow up to 10 feet long, and, although they have weaker jaws than house cats, they kill whatever they're going to eat by biting them with sharp teeth that inject venom that stops blood from clotting. Additionally, though, these bites contaminate prey with whatever other potentially harmful bacteria are in the dragon's mouth.
You'd think Komodo dragons would also get sick biting each other—which large lizards are wont to do—but they don't.

Just maybe their blood cintains some interesting compounds ir anti-bodies?

https://qz.com/924112/scientists-are-looking-to-komodo-dragons-blood-to-fight-antibiotic-resistance/
Title: Re: First take thou dragon's blood . . .
Post by: joeactor on March 08, 2017, 08:30:42 PM
They are amazing creatures. Can climb trees, dig burrows, and run 15+ mph. Plus they just keep growing!
From Wikipedia:
QuoteThe largest verified wild specimen was 3.13 m (10.3 ft) long and weighed 166 kg (366 lb), including undigested food. The Komodo dragon has a tail as long as its body, as well as about 60 frequently replaced, serrated teeth that can measure up to 2.5 cm (1 in) in length.