Snakes' Secret to Surviving Months Without Food Unveiled: Missing 'Hunger Hormone' Gene

• An international team of scientists discovered that snakes can survive for months, even a year, without eating due to a missing 'hunger hormone' gene.
• Research published in 'Open Biology' reveals snakes lack the Ghrelin gene, also known as the 'hunger hormone', and the MBOAT4 enzyme that activates it.
• This genetic absence allows snakes, like pythons and vipers, to not feel hunger in the same way as humans or other animals.
• Scientists believe this is an evolutionary strategy for their 'sit-and-wait' hunting technique, enabling them to patiently wait for prey for weeks.
• The findings could lead to new treatments for human obesity and metabolism-related diseases by understanding how snakes manage metabolic energy during fasting.