![]() ![]() His study is the most detailed ever conducted on the genes responsible for Australian snakes' toxins. ![]() "Only the mulga did not have Factor X as it has developed its own unique mechanism of killing."ĭr St Pierre said snake venom was a huge untapped source of potential drug therapies. "They have developed the ability to deliver massive fatal doses of Factor X to specifically target the systems of mammals."ĭr St Pierre studied the venom of the inland and coastal taipan, the common brown, the red bellied black, the mulga, the rough-scaled snake, Stephens banded snake and the tiger snake. "Snakes produce a more stable and faster acting form of Factor X in their venom which is the only source of Factor X other than mammalian livers," he said. "Firstly, venom injection causes massive blood clots instantaneously followed by paralysis as a result of neurotoxins which eventually immobilise and kill the victim."ĭr St Pierre said mammals and snakes naturally produced a small amount of Factor X in their livers. "Australian snakes literally have a two-pronged attack when they bite their prey," Dr St Pierre said. His study focussed on the genes in the coastal taipan's venom that are responsible for the pro coagulant or blood clotting agent called Factor X which could stem blood flow in a matter of seconds.Ī drug lead based on Factor X is being evaluated for clinical trials by bio pharmaceutical development company QRxPharma. The genetic code for the toxin, Factor X (Factor Ten), was identified by PhD researcher Liam St Pierre from QUT's School of Life Sciences who studied the venom of eight of Australia's deadliest land snakes for their therapeutic potential. ![]() The eggs can take up to 68 days to hatch with the hatchlings measuring around 30cm – 40cm long.A blood-clotting protein in taipan venom has been identified by Queensland University of Technology PhD researcher Liam St Pierre to rapidly stop excessive bleeding during vascular surgery and major trauma. Female coastal taipans can lay anywhere between 7-20 large, pill-shaped eggs. Upon encountering a receptive female, the male becomes highly excited and moves up and along the body of the female, continually tongue-flicking and rubbing his chin against her. Courtship between adults follows the basic pattern seen in many other snake species. Reproductionīreeding season for coastal taipans is usually observed between August to September. Although many human deaths have resulted from taipan bites, it rarely attacks humans except in self-defence. DietĬoastal taipans prey strictly on mammals such as small rodents, bandicoots and quolls. It is found in forests, heaths and grassy beach dunes, and also favours cane fields. It’s location then spreads across northern Australia including the Northern Territory through to north-eastern Western Australia. The species is found along the coast of Australia from northern New South Wales, through to Queensland. Coastal taipans are active throughout the year however, they are most commonly encountered in late winter and spring. A slender snake, it sports a light to dark brown body, and a cream/yellow belly with pink or orange flecks, the snake’s head is often a lighter brown than its body. The coastal taipan commonly measures 1.5m – 2m in length, however specimens have recorded at an impressive 3m. One of Australia’s most notorious snakes has fangs which can grow 1cm in length! It uses these to inject a powerful venom into the body. ![]()
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