Hares and rabbits are both equally beautiful creatures
pepperscorn asked:
would you say the preamble in your wasp id book has good advice for how to not get stung when you find a wasp. i might end up going to the daycare that my friend works at to teach the kids how to act safely around wasps. i say this because today a kid saw a velvet ant and killed it after seeing a "stinger" (it had probably just mated) like guys trying to kill a wasp is the easiest way to get stung by a wasp.
Yes! In fact, I can do one better and share the updated illustrations from the second edition.
If you find yourself next to a wasp nest, STAY CALM, BREATHE SLOWLY, and MOVE SLOWLY. Wasps are attuned to sense rapid movements and carbon dioxide, so if you minimize these, you minimize your risk.
If you disturb a nest, or if you are stung near a nest, STAY CALM, MOVE QUICKLY (away from the nest), and ALERT OTHERS. Try to avoid flailing your arms. Erratic movements will increase the likelihood of additional stings. Make sure to alert other people in the area of the danger so no one else is hurt.
Stay safe and enjoy nature!
By using antibodies from a human donor with a self-induced hyper-immunity to snake venom, scientists have developed the most broadly effective antivenom to date, which is protective against the likes of the black mamba, king cobra, and tiger snakes in mouse trials. Described in the journal Cell, the antivenom combines protective antibodies and a small molecule inhibitor and opens a path toward a universal antiserum.
Ok, that’s fucking wild.
This guy Tim Friede wasn’t any kind of researcher or doctor. He was just a snake collector who thought it would be cool to try and become immune to snake venom by injecting small amounts and working up. For 18 goddamn years. He nearly died at least once.
Later, actual scientists heard about him and realized that since he survived his blood must be full of antibodies that neutralize many kinds of snake venoms. Using a sample of his blood they were able to develop an antibody cocktail that seems to be effective against many types of tropical snake bites, a sort of universal antivenom.
Absolute mad lad benefiting humanity.
