Support Gila monster research!
We are raising awareness about how amazing the Gila monster is, and had our first crowd-funding campaign to support the first stage of sequencing the Gila monster genome. The campaign was live March 31st - April 30th. Project updates will continue at our Experiment page, so follow along (experiment.com/gilamonster)!
If you missed the crowd-funding, but would still like to donate, you can donate directly to our sponsored account through Arizona State University here: www.asufoundation.org/GilaMonster. (It may not seem like it but donations at that site go towards Gila monster research!!)
More information:
For more information about specific research or donations, email us at: GilaMonsterASU@gmail.com
For updates and cool facts about gila monsters:
Follow us on twitter: @GilaMonsterASU
Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GilaMonsterASU/
More about the Gila monster:
- A synthetic version of extendin-4, a peptide isolated from Gila monster venom, is being used (successfully!) to treat Type-II diabetes.
- Gila monsters are one of only two known venomous lizards.
- There is no anti-venom for Gila monster bites.
- Gila monsters can eat up to 1/3 their body weight at one time and store fat in their tails.
- Gila monsters store water in the urinary bladder that they can reabsorb during times of drought.
- Gila monster habitats are being destroyed.
- Gila monster can have a 1-square mile range (1.6 square km), and typically do not survive if relocated.
- Gila monsters have sex chromosomes, but they are just the opposite of humans (female Gila monsters have one big sex chromosome and one small degraded one like typical human males).
SIGN UP!
If you are interested in receiving announcements about updates to the project, please submit your email to this form. Only Dr. Wilson Sayres will have access to it, and promises not to spam you with anything.