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Self-taught venom expert Tim Friede's 18-year experiment of self-injecting snake venom 856 times has unexpectedly led to a breakthrough in antivenom development. After a near-fatal double cobra bite, Friede's resulting immunity caught the attention of scientists. His unique antibodies are now being used to create a highly effective antivenom, showing protection against 19 species of deadly snakes in lab tests on mice. This novel antivenom, potentially offering broader protection than existing treatments, is a significant advancement in combating snakebites, though further clinical trials are needed before human use.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.