Venomous
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Publisher's Summary
A thrilling tale of encounters with nature's masters of biochemistry.
In Venomous, molecular biologist Christie Wilcox investigates venoms and the animals that use them, revealing how they work, what they do to the human body, and how they can revolutionize biochemistry and medicine today.
Wilcox takes us from the coast of Indonesia to the rainforests of Peru in search of the secrets of these mysterious animals. We encounter jellyfish that release microscopic venom-packed darts known to kill humans in just two minutes, a two-inch caterpillar with toxic bristles that trigger hemorrhaging throughout the body, and a stunning blue-ringed octopus with saliva capable of inducing total paralysis. How could an animal as simple as a jellyfish evolve such an intricate, deadly poison? And how can a snake possess enzymes that tear through tissue yet leave its own body unscathed?
Wilcox meets the fearless scientists who often risk their lives studying these lethal beasts to find out and puts her own life on the line to examine these species up close. Drawing on her own research on venom chemistry and evolution, she also shows how venom is helping us untangle the complex mechanisms of some of our most devastating diseases.
Venomous reveals that the animals we fear the most actually hold the keys to a deeper understanding of evolution, adaptation, and immunity. Thrilling and surprising at every turn, Venomous will change the way you think about our natural world.
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What listeners say about Venomous
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Paul
- 12-01-16
Well worth reading
I read slot of biology and this provided fresh new interest in a great area of study. Medicine has a lot to learn and gain from billions of years of evolutionary pharmaceuticals.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- jrog
- 03-28-18
Wow!
Very informative and insightful. I enjoyed the fusion of history, science and culture behind venoms and the animals that produce them. Highly recommended!
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Andria
- 06-29-17
I've been stung
This book is wonderfully written. Technical and bizarre information is presented in a way that is interesting and impactful.
Now I must learn more about these jewel wasps!
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Linda
- 01-20-20
great
it was an easy read. I loved it. and it was interesting. I would listen to this one again
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Autumn
- 08-16-19
Absolutely Fascinating
This book made me fall in love with venoms in a way I wasn't prepared. It's fascinating, well written, and thought provoking. I ended up buying the paperback so I could make notes and re-read sections as I went. One of the best books I've read in a very long time.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anna Grey
- 07-15-19
Best Book Ever!
Brilliantly Explained complex science concepts! Facinating subject written for Any Age of curious minds. I am inspired to investigate further numerous facts presented in this wonderful book. I wish she had taught my microbiology class!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Chris McAllister
- 10-13-18
not for kids
Good book, interesting stories about venomous creatures but too much profanity for kids. I thought my kids would like to learn about toxins and the animals that produce them but too many f-bombs for me to play it for them.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- JStan
- 08-29-18
Good, some mispronounciations
I’m a biologist. Great content, some mispronunciation—“assay” is a bit off, “neuronal” sounds a bit weird, and “Sanofi” is a bit off. But a great book, and a very pleasant reading.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jack Frasier
- 05-30-18
excellent primer on venom
An excellent primer on venomous animals and their potential for medical treatments. not too many gorey examples, but enough for this to be a fun and informative audiobook.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alexander Maiorano
- 10-29-17
fantastic topic
Great book, super interesting and enjoyable. If you're interested in venoms this is your book
1 person found this helpful