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The Platypus: Good For You

Posted by Hemos on from the thems-good-eatins dept.

egglayingmammalophile writes "Cute, webfooted, duck beaked, cold blooded, egg laying, electrosensitive and venomous, it didn't seem possible that they could get any weirder. But now the platypus is also good for you."

6 of 42 comments (clear)

  1. 3rd Grader's report by ralphb · · Score: 4, Informative

    For a little background, check out my daughter's 3rd grade science report on the Platypus:

    Dick-Billed Platypus

  2. I cant be the only one... by Cyno01 · · Score: 4, Funny

    who thought from the summary that is was about eating Platypi.

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    "Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."
  3. What the article is actually about... by Kopretinka · · Score: 4, Informative
    So, in short the article is about a finding that platypus venom, a non-leathal poison, may lead to better painkiller drugs.

    I thought the summary in the /. posting might say at least a word about that. 8-)

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    Yesterday was the time to do it right. Are we having a REVOLUTION yet?
  4. Cone Shells by Ratso+Baggins · · Score: 4, Interesting
    This is not new, cone shells (a mollusck) can shoot out a spike and inject venom which WILL kill you in less than 10 secs (4?).

    Scientists have seperated certain agents in the venom which, when grately diluted, are excellent pain killers for chronic pain, apparently with little or no habbit forming problems (don't they always say that)

    Apparently this is a popular idea - treating chronic pain with venom derivatives.

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    --
    "we live in a post-ideological world..." - Billy Bragg.

  5. Not cold blooded by 0x0d0a · · Score: 3, Informative

    The platypus is closer to having a cold-blooded metabolism than most mammals, but it's still warm-blooded, contrary to what the story submissions claims.

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    May we never see th
  6. Platypus wings... by Hubert_Shrump · · Score: 3, Funny

    Hot and Spicy, or Extra Crispy?

    Venom? No thanks. Well, on the side for my little girl.

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    Keep your packets off my GNU/Girlfriend!