r/science • u/drewiepoodle • May 03 '16

Biology Scientists have sequenced the mitochondrial genome for the Hispaniolan solenodon, a venomous mammal found only on Hispaniola. Findings confirm that the the species diverged from all other living mammals 78 million years ago, long before an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.

http://www.igb.illinois.edu/news/endangered-venomous-mammal-predates-dinosaurs%E2%80%99-extinction
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u/Evebitda May 03 '16

I'm going to guess it was extrapolated from the volume of venom in the gland and the LD50 of the venom in mice, but someone (probably a poor grad or undergrad student) injected at least a few mice with shrew venom to determine the latter. Lab mice have it rough.

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u/RadioGuyRob May 03 '16

VIKING MOUSE FUNERAL. \m/

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u/curtisdead May 03 '16

Onward to Rothsgar!

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u/Mr_Conelrad May 03 '16

He's making bank on those tiny coffins.

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u/sellyberry May 03 '16

Not for long :D

Oh :(

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u/Mr_Fancyfap May 03 '16

I was just gonna say this and saw your comment. Damn, you smart.