The narrator, Coyote Peterson, visits the Reptile Research Center in Florida to conduct an experiment where he mixes his own blood with the venom of three of the most venomous snakes in the USA: the Copperhead, the Water Moccasin, and the Diamondback Rattlesnake. He has a doctor draw 8 tubes of his blood, which he then mixes with the venom of each snake. After 15 minutes, he observes the effects of the venom on his blood, noting that the venom causes the blood to become more liquid and less likely to clot. He also notes that the venom can cause damage to the blood cells and the connections between them. Coyote emphasizes that snake venom is highly destructive and can be fatal if not treated promptly with antivenom. He advises viewers to respect snakes and keep a safe distance, as most snake bites occur when people try to handle or kill them.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The experiment involved taking 8 tubes of the speaker's blood and adding venom from three of the most dangerous vipers in the USA.
2. The speaker had a doctor take their blood and mix it with the venom of three snakes: the copperhead, the water copperhead, and the diamondback.
3. The venom of the snakes can cause bleeding, and it can be fatal if not treated with antivenom.
4. Insect venom is different from snake venom, as it is designed to cause pain and drive away predators, whereas snake venom is designed to immobilize and kill prey.
5. The experiment showed that the venom of the snakes can cause damage to the blood cells, making it harder for them to clot.
6. The speaker's blood was mixed with the venom of each snake, and the results were observed and recorded.
7. The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment, and the speaker emphasized the importance of not trying to replicate it at home.
8. The speaker has a fear of needles and was nervous throughout the experiment.
9. The Reptile Research Center in Florida is home to some of the most dangerous snakes in the world.
10. The experiment was designed to show what happens when snake venom is mixed with human blood.
11. The speaker's blood was tested for coagulation before and after being mixed with the venom.
12. The venom of the snakes can cause blood cells to break down and become more watery.
13. The experiment was not conducted under a microscope, and the speaker acknowledged that a more detailed analysis would be needed to fully understand the effects of the venom.
14. The speaker emphasized the importance of treating snakes with respect and caution, and not trying to handle or kill them.
15. Every year, people get bitten by venomous snakes, and some species can be fatal if not treated with antivenom.
16. Snake milking is a process that involves extracting venom from snakes, and it is done by professionals in controlled environments.