The Reality Reports

Understanding Snake Venom: What Makes It Dangerous Snake bites can be very dangerous, especially if the snake is venomous. Venom is a special type of poison that some snakes use to catch their food or protect themselves.  When a person is bitten by a venomous snake, the venom can cause serious health problems, like trouble breathing, pain, swelling, or even death if not treated quickly.  The only way to stop the venom from hurting someone is to give them a special medicine called antivenom.

A Surprising Observation: In 1928, Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming made an unexpected discovery that would change medicine forever.  While studying bacteria at St. Mary's Hospital in London, he left petri dishes containing Staphylococcus bacteria uncovered before going on vacation.  When he returned, he noticed something unusual. A blue-green mold, later identified as Penicillium notatum , had grown on one of the dishes.  Around the mold, the bacteria had been destroyed. Fleming realized this mold was releasing a substance that could kill bacteria.