Some snakes lack the ‘hunger hormone.’ Experts are hungry to know why

The discovery that some snakes lack ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger, is sparking curiosity among scientists. Ghrelin, often referred to as the "hunger hormone," plays a crucial role in signaling the brain to initiate feeding behavior in many animals, including humans. However, certain snake species seem to thrive without it, going extended periods without food, which raises intriguing questions about their unique biological adaptations. Researchers are delving into the complex biology of these snakes to understand how they manage such lengthy fasting periods without the typical hormonal cues. The absence of ghrelin could mean that these snakes have evolved alternative mechanisms to regulate energy conservation and metabolism. This adaptation might be a key factor in their ability to survive in environments where food is scarce, giving them a distinct evolutionary advantage. Understanding this phenomenon could have broader implications beyond herpetology. Insights into these snakes' metabolic strategies might inform medical research, particularly in areas related to obesity and appetite control in humans. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of these resilient reptiles, they hope to uncover new pathways that could help address human health challenges associated with metabolism and hunger.

— Authored by Next24 Live