Slither, by Stephen S. Hall, Explores Our Fear and Fascination around Snakes

image via New Scientist

April 23, 2025, 10:00 AM

• •The book explores the biology and history of snakes, challenging negative perceptions.
• •Ancient cultures venerated snakes, associating them with healing and messengers.
• •Snakes' unique adaptations, like tissue regeneration and venom evolution, are highlighted.
• •Habitat destruction poses the biggest threat to snakes, emphasizing the need for conservation.

In a discussion with Rachel Feltman, Stephen S. Hall discusses his book, "Slither," which explores the complex relationship between humans and snakes. Hall reveals that the perception of snakes has evolved over time, with ancient cultures often venerating them, contrasting with modern aversion. The conversation delves into the snakes' unique biological adaptations and the surprising discoveries in genomics and convergent evolution, like the adaptation of spitting cobras. Finally, Hall emphasizes the importance of including all creatures in conservation efforts, and the major threat to their existence is habitat destruction.

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