Passive transponder implantation in Theraphosidae: A tool for traceability and conservation

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  Passive transponder implantation in Theraphosidae: A tool for traceability and conservation Abstract Illegal wildlife trade represents a major global threat to biodiversity, with tarantulas among the most heavily trafficked invertebrate groups due to increasing demand in the international pet market, highlighting the urgent need for effective regulatory frameworks and reliable specimen-level traceability systems to distinguish legally bred individuals from illegally sourced ones. Individual identification is essential to support legal trade, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and reduce illegal trafficking; therefore, this study evaluated the feasibility and safety of passive integrated transponder microchip (PIT TAG) implantation for individual identification in multiple tarantula species under controlled laboratory conditions. Post-implantation parameters assessed included anaesthesia recovery time, feeding behaviour, ecdysis frequency, PIT TAG retention across successive moults...

The Dose Makes the Cure: Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Peruvian Snake Venoms

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The Dose Makes the Cure: Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Peruvian Snake Venoms

Abstract

For decades, snake venom has been studied for its diverse array of biological properties. From the isolation of various biomolecules, it has been possible to obtain resources for the development of therapeutic tools for a wide variety of medical conditions. This work compiles findings from multiple studies conducted on the subject, focusing specifically on the biomolecules from the four genera of venomous snakes found in Peru—Bothrops, Crotalus, Lachesis, and Micrurus—to highlight their importance as resources for biotechnological research. It presents information on metalloproteases, disintegrins, phospholipases A2, L-amino acid oxidases, serine proteases, and other biomolecules isolated from different species of these genera, describing their characteristics and potential applications in the development of therapeutic tools to treat a wide range of ailments, such as microbial and viral infections, various types of pain, and cancer, among others. Lastly, it briefly outlines several suggestions for the conservation and protection of these species, in hopes of expressing gratitude toward the natural sources that provide these valuable resources.

Quispe Vidal, G. (2026). The Dose Makes the Cure: Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Peruvian Snake Venoms. Research Archive of Rising Scholars. Preprint. https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3550