Episode Details

This is insane: a snake-obsessed guy named Tim Friede injected himself with venom hundreds of times over 17 years to build immunity—and now his blood may hold the key to a universal antivenom. His self-experimentation, documented meticulously, led to a breakthrough: antibodies from his blood protected mice against 19 snake species. With millions suffering snakebites globally each year, this could revolutionize treatment. Researchers are now combining his antibodies with a blocking drug to create a cocktail that already shields mice from 13 species and partially protects against six more. They’re even eyeing applications for animals like dogs in Australia. While Friede’s still healthy, scientists warn: absolutely do not try this at home.

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