A thrilling tale of encounters with nature's masters of biochemistry
"A fitting tribute to one of nature's most sinister creations of all."
--Carl Zimmer, author of Parasite Rex
In Venomous, the molecular biologist Christie Wilcox investigates
venoms and the animals that use them, revealing how they work, what they
do to the human body, and how they can revolutionize biochemistry and
medicine today.
Wilcox takes us from the coast of Indonesia to the rain forests of Peru
in search of the secrets of these mysterious animals. We encounter
jellyfish that release microscopic venom-packed darts known to kill
humans in just two minutes, a two-inch caterpillar with toxic bristles
that trigger hemorrhaging throughout the body, and a stunning
blue-ringed octopus with saliva capable of inducing total paralysis. How
could an animal as simple as a jellyfish evolve such an intricate,
deadly poison? And how can a snake possess enzymes that tear through
tissue yet leave its own body unscathed? Wilcox meets the fearless
scientists who often risk their lives studying these lethal beasts to
find out, and puts her life on the line to examine these species up
close. Drawing on her own research on venom chemistry and evolution, she
also shows how venom is helping us untangle the complex mechanisms of
some of our most devastating diseases.
Venomous reveals that the animals we fear the most actually hold the
keys to a deeper understanding of evolution, adaptation, and immunity.
Thrilling and surprising at every turn, Venomous will change the way
you think about our natural world.
