CALLER-TIMES (Corpus-Christi, Texas) 10 February 05 Youths see snakes' helpful side - Tour at A&M-K shows how venom is used for healing (Ofelia Garcia Hunter)
Kingsville: Several hundred area high school students toured a place Thursday that houses what, for many, is the stuff of nightmares - hundreds of slithering snakes.
But, putting aside any fears they may have had, students learned how the reptiles are being studied for possible life-saving treatments from snake venom.
As part of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville lab's annual Viper Day, students toured the Natural Toxins Research Center, where more than 400 snakes representing 25 species are milked for their venom. They learned how snake venom is used, and about its potential in medical research.
A highlight of the tour was the university's serpentarium which hosts many species, including red spitting cobras, western diamondback rattlesnakes and Florida cottonmouths.
Juan Saiz, 17, a senior at Ray High School, said the research program has convinced him to major in bio-technology.
"I think it's fascinating that the venom can find a cure," he said.
Snake venom research has given scientists clues on how to break up blood clots that cause strokes and heart attacks and has shown new ways to keep cancer from spreading, said John C. Perez, regents professor and center director.
"NTRC has a responsibility to reach high school students and expose them to the quality of venom research," Perez said.
At least one student wasn't skittish about being around the snakes.
"I like snakes and so does my dad," said Chesare Simmons, a senior at Ray High School who wants to become a veterinarian. "I liked the program a lot, it was very interesting."
Aside from the tour, Viper Day also included a crash course on snakes, and students showed their ability to retain the new knowledge through a game show where students won cash prizes.
Similar to the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" format, students answered questions and could use lifelines if they weren't sure of answers.
One of the big winners, Rita Dominguez, 18, sat on the hot seat and moved up the money ladder by correctly answering questions about snakes. She took home $100.
"I was hoping they didn't call my name," the Odem senior said. "It was neat, but I was nervous. I'm glad I did it and now I can go shopping for clothes."
Another highlight of the program was the drawing of two names for two $500 scholarships.
Two San Diego students, Kelly Toews and Joseph Lopez received the scholarships.
"It was so exciting," said Kelly, a senior who wants to attend A&M-Kingsville in the fall. "It was cool, I liked it."
Tour at A&M-K shows how venom is used for healing