Can a crocodile cure your ills? Testing the Crocodylus Apothecary Hypothesis

Congrats!!!

Congrats on reaching your target, double-yay!!!

Hi Maxim, That is exactly what we are hoping for. Research shows that evolution is a great process for developing molecules for all kinds of function. Why reinvent the wheel from scratch when the hugely diverse plants and animals around us have terrifically effective immune "toolkits" tucked into their genomes. Thanks for the comment. E

I love basic research or "pure science" even if pursued only out of curiosity, but wouldn't it be fun if one day this study was looked back on as the key that unlocked a door to better antibiotics or some other practical application?

Good Luck!!! I know you will make it!!

So excited for this project. I look forward to learning more about what you discover!

I love Ogden Nash! What a great edition to the page! Thank you.

I give you now Professor Twist, A conscientious scientist, Trustees exclaimed, "He never bungles!" And sent him off to distant jungles. Camped on a tropic riverside, One day he missed his loving bride. She had, the guide informed him later, Been eaten by an alligator. Professor Twist could not but smile. "You mean," he said, "a crocodile." The Purist by Ogden Nash

Wow! Today is the best sort of hump day! We got over the "hump" of $3000! Whoo Hooo! Thanks to all of our newest backers... glad you could join us. Keep up the great work letting everyone you know in on your great science project. Together is a great way to do science!

This is so exciting!

Go Avon! From Mindy and Taylor friends of Marty H. 😀

Don't forget! If you get friends or family to donate a combined $100, we will send you a cool scale model 3D printed crocodile skull! Cheers!

Here are some videos from the EG conference last year, including mine where I presented the story of how I got mixed up in crocodile research and how this project came to be. ( http://www.egconf.com/videos)

Oh.. and in other great news..Taylor received TWO awards! One is a Smithsonian Fellowship to work on crocodiles at the National Zoo and Natural History Museum over the summer, and another from the American Museum of Natural History for his work on crocodile reproduction! Really great news all around.

Thank you to everyone who got us started yesterday and to those who have helped to share our project with friends and family. It was an amazing day. I was at the EG conference (http://www.egconf.com/presenters) in Carmel with people who truly care about the world and all of its creatures ( including BBC wildlife!) while you guys, our backers, were supporting us. It means a lot. BTW-I got to see footage filmed from a baby crocodile "spy cam" ( a little robotic hatchling with cameras for eyes!) that will be coming out in July! Will keep you posted. Sarah, your page is lovely. Thank you! Can't wait to see the book.

Good luck! Thanks for checking out my illustrations too.

Yay! Super excited for this project to finally launch 🐊