Golden lancehead genome reveals how genes responsible for venom toxins evolved

A research team led by scientists from the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, Brazil, has carried out the most in-depth genetic sequencing of a jararaca viper to date. The study focused on the genome of the golden spear (Bothrops insularis), particularly its venom genes. Since the species shares most of its genes with the 48 other species in the genus, the data serves as a reference for broader studies on the evolution of jararaca vipers and their toxins. The study is published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution.