Lizard Spit Helps Control Blood Sugar

m0smithslash writes "Over on Yahoo there is an article, Lizard Spit Drug Controls Diabetes, Cuts Weight which describes how 'Exenatide, an experimental diabetes drug derived from lizard saliva, not only controls patients' blood sugar levels but also cuts their weight.' I always thought it would be cool to have a pet lizard, and a vemonous one would be even better. Maybe I could save a lot of money on medications by just letting it bite me every so often. Of course here would also be a good place to put a plug in for not letting species go extinct."

Comments

Another Cure from a Poison

[4of12]

So much of what makes life interesting (spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.) are poisonous defenses that various plants have built up to protect themselves from insects and other animals.

This development reminds me of earlier uses for snake venom, which, used carefully, can help treat various ailments.

Likewise capsacin, that can be used as a topical anesthesia.

If you're looking to preserve food, treat pain, create hallucinations, and cure illness, look at the poisons!

Re:Venomous Lizards? Not likely.

[Otter]

Komodo dragons aren't venomous, but they cultivate some horrible bacteria in their mouths (IIRC, their teeth are grooved to provide a better growth surface) so their bites are incredibly infectious. Their prey routinely die within a day or two if the dragon doesn't kill them outright. In the documentaries, you'll frequently see huge gobs of slime hangin out of their mouths.

My mind still boggles at the story of Sharon Stone's husband: Honey, I got you a birthday present! Get in the cage with that dinosaur! Oh, and take your shoes off first!