Researchers are not only searching for new treatments in laboratories. They are also studying animals that have developed unique abilities through evolution.
According to NPR, such traits could inspire new medicines.
A research team from the University of Colorado Boulder has therefore spent several years studying pythons.
The researchers aim to understand how the snakes' bodies function and whether that knowledge can be applied to medical research.
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The body responds differently
Pythons can survive for long periods without food. When they finally eat, their metabolism increases dramatically, and several of their organs temporarily increase in size.
After some time, the organs return to their normal state.
According to NPR, the researchers hope this process could provide new insights into heart disease in humans.
The scientists are also investigating a molecule whose concentration rises sharply in the snakes' blood after a meal.
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A study published in the journal Nature Metabolism found that the molecule caused obese mice to eat less and lose weight.
The researchers therefore plan to investigate whether it could be used in future treatments.
Could lead to new medicines
Pythons also lose very little muscle strength, even though they can fast for several months.
According to NPR, researchers are investigating whether this ability could be used to develop treatments for muscle wasting.
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The scientists emphasize that the research is still at an early stage.
Nevertheless, the findings suggest that the unique biology of pythons could become an important source of new knowledge for the treatment of conditions including heart disease, muscle loss, and obesity, NPR reports.
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