Pharmaceutical & Medical Advancements - Nature holds immense potential for drug discovery, with venomous animals offering a wealth of chemical compounds for treating diseases [4][5][9] - Captopril, derived from the venom of the Jararaca snake, is a widely prescribed drug for hypertension and cardiovascular disease [5][6] - Semaglutide (Ozempic), originating from Gila monster venom, has revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and renal diseases [6] - Cytarabine, developed from Caribbean sea sponge, is recognized by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine for treating certain types of leukemia and lymphoma [7] - Ziconotide, a non-opioid painkiller derived from cone snail venom, offers a new direction in pain management amidst the opioid crisis [8] Biodiversity & Conservation - The health of humans, animals, and the planet are interconnected, emphasizing the importance of ecosystem preservation for discovering new medicines and cures [11] - Traditional knowledge of indigenous communities regarding the medicinal properties of plants and animals is valuable and should be validated [9][10] - Venomous animals, often feared and exterminated, are potential partners in healing and should be studied for their medicinal properties [4][8][9] Future Research & Development - Further research into venomous animals and their venoms is crucial for unlocking new medical breakthroughs [9][14] - Funding research and protecting species are essential for sustaining the delicate web of life and ensuring future medical advancements [14] - Exploring the mysteries hidden in the chemistry of venomous animals could lead to new insights into human biology and potential treatments [12]

I'm so excited to be back here in Randa. Um, kind of where a lot of my work with gorillas has also been. I've been working with mountain gorillas for 30 years.So, if I tell you how long I've been working with them, you think she's that old, but yes, I have. and we're excited two years ago to celebrate 20 years of conservation through public health. I started working with gorillas cuz I love animals.I grew up with lots of pets at home and I'm going to talk about this journey. Um, and then later on I got invo ...