Latest news with #TwoRivers
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Man who let snakes bite him 200 times spurs new antivenom hope
Tim Friede was feeling particularly down on the day after the September 11 attacks, so he went to his basement and let two of the world's deadliest snakes bite him. Four days later, he woke up from a coma. "I know what it feels like to die from snakebite," Friede told AFP via video call from his home in the small US town of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. This experience might put most people off snakes entirely, but Friede simply vowed to be more careful next time. From 2000 to 2018, he allowed himself to be bitten by snakes more than 200 times. He also injected himself with their venom over 650 times. Friede endured this pain because he wanted to achieve total immunity to venom, a practice called mithridatism which should not be tried at home. After a couple of years, Friede started to believe he could be the basis for a better kind of antivenom. The former truck mechanic, who does not have a university degree, long struggled to be taken seriously by scientists. But last month, a study published in the prestigious Cell journal showed that antibodies from his blood protect against a range of snake venom. The researchers now hope Friede's hyper-immunity could even lead to the development of a universal antivenom. This would fill a major need, because currently most antivenoms only cover one or a few of the world's 600 venomous snakes. Up to 138,000 people are killed by snakebites a year, while 400,000 suffer amputations or other disabilities, according to the World Health Organization. These figures are believed to be vastly underestimated because snakebite victims typically live in poorer, remote areas. 'Pain every time' Friede's first bite was from a harmless garter snake when he was five years old. "I was afraid, I cried, I ran away," said Friede, now 57. Then he started bringing snakes home and hiding them in pickle jars. His mother sought counselling, but his interest in snakes persisted. Things escalated after Friede attended a class that taught him how to "milk" snakes for their venom. How antivenom is made has changed little over the last 125 years. Small doses of snake venom are injected into animals such as horses, which produce antibodies that can be extracted and used as antivenom. However this antivenom usually only works for bites from that particular species of snake -- and it includes other antibodies from horse that can cause serious side-effects including anaphylactic shock. "I thought, well, if they make antivenom in horses, why can't I just use myself as a primate?" Friede said. He started working through the venom from all the deadly species he could get his hands on, such as cobras, taipans, black mambas and rattlesnakes. "There is pain every time," he said. 'Proud' For years, the scientists he contacted to take advantage of his immunity refused to bite. Then in 2017, immunologist Jacob Glanville, who previously worked on universal vaccines, turned his attention towards antivenom. Glanville told AFP he had been looking for "a clumsy snake researcher who'd been bit accidentally a couple times," when he came across a video of Friede taking brutal back-to-back snake bites. When they first spoke, Glanville said he told Friede: "I know this is awkward, but I would love to get my hands on some of your blood." "I've been waiting for this call for a long time," came the response, Glanville said. The antivenom described in the Cell paper includes two antibodies from Friede's blood, as well as a drug called varespladib. It offered mice full protection against 13 of the 19 snake species tested, and partial protection for the remaining six. The researchers hope a future cocktail will cover far more snakes -- particularly vipers -- with further trials planned on dogs in Australia. Timothy Jackson of the Australian Venom Research Unit praised the immunological research, but questioned whether a human needed to be involved, pointing to synthetically developed antibodies. Glanville said the ultimate goal of his US-based firm Centivax was to develop a universal antivenom administered by something like an EpiPen, potentially produced in India to keep the costs down. Friede said he was "proud" to have made a "small difference" in medical history. Now working for Centivax, Friede stopped self-inflicting himself with venom in 2018 to save the firm from liability issues. But he hopes to get bitten by snakes again in the future. "I do miss it," he said.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Man who let snakes bite him 200 times spurs new antivenom hope
Tim Friede was feeling particularly down on the day after the September 11 attacks, so he went to his basement and let two of the world's deadliest snakes bite him. Four days later, he woke up from a coma. "I know what it feels like to die from snakebite," Friede told AFP via video call from his home in the small US town of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. This experience might put most people off snakes entirely, but Friede simply vowed to be more careful next time. From 2000 to 2018, he allowed himself to be bitten by snakes more than 200 times. He also injected himself with their venom over 650 times. Friede endured this pain because he wanted to achieve total immunity to venom, a practice called mithridatism which should not be tried at home. After a couple of years, Friede started to believe he could be the basis for a better kind of antivenom. The former truck mechanic, who does not have a university degree, long struggled to be taken seriously by scientists. But last month, a study published in the prestigious Cell journal showed that antibodies from his blood protect against a range of snake venom. The researchers now hope Friede's hyper-immunity could even lead to the development of a universal antivenom. This would fill a major need, because currently most antivenoms only cover one or a few of the world's 600 venomous snakes. Up to 138,000 people are killed by snakebites a year, while 400,000 suffer amputations or other disabilities, according to the World Health Organization. These figures are believed to be vastly underestimated because snakebite victims typically live in poorer, remote areas. - 'Pain every time' - Friede's first bite was from a harmless garter snake when he was five years old. "I was afraid, I cried, I ran away," said Friede, now 57. Then he started bringing snakes home and hiding them in pickle jars. His mother sought counselling, but his interest in snakes persisted. Things escalated after Friede attended a class that taught him how to "milk" snakes for their venom. How antivenom is made has changed little over the last 125 years. Small doses of snake venom are injected into animals such as horses, which produce antibodies that can be extracted and used as antivenom. However this antivenom usually only works for bites from that particular species of snake -- and it includes other antibodies from horse that can cause serious side-effects including anaphylactic shock. "I thought, well, if they make antivenom in horses, why can't I just use myself as a primate?" Friede said. He started working through the venom from all the deadly species he could get his hands on, such as cobras, taipans, black mambas and rattlesnakes. "There is pain every time," he said. - 'Proud' - For years, the scientists he contacted to take advantage of his immunity refused to bite. Then in 2017, immunologist Jacob Glanville, who previously worked on universal vaccines, turned his attention towards antivenom. Glanville told AFP he had been looking for "a clumsy snake researcher who'd been bit accidentally a couple times," when he came across a video of Friede taking brutal back-to-back snake bites. When they first spoke, Glanville said he told Friede: "I know this is awkward, but I would love to get my hands on some of your blood." "I've been waiting for this call for a long time," came the response, Glanville said. The antivenom described in the Cell paper includes two antibodies from Friede's blood, as well as a drug called varespladib. It offered mice full protection against 13 of the 19 snake species tested, and partial protection for the remaining six. The researchers hope a future cocktail will cover far more snakes -- particularly vipers -- with further trials planned on dogs in Australia. Timothy Jackson of the Australian Venom Research Unit praised the immunological research, but questioned whether a human needed to be involved, pointing to synthetically developed antibodies. Glanville said the ultimate goal of his US-based firm Centivax was to develop a universal antivenom administered by something like an EpiPen, potentially produced in India to keep the costs down. Friede said he was "proud" to have made a "small difference" in medical history. Now working for Centivax, Friede stopped self-inflicting himself with venom in 2018 to save the firm from liability issues. But he hopes to get bitten by snakes again in the future. "I do miss it," he said. dl/giv
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Man who let snakes bite him 200 times spurs new antivenom hope
Tim Friede was feeling particularly down on the day after the September 11 attacks, so he went to his basement and let two of the world's deadliest snakes bite him. Four days later, he woke up from a coma. "I know what it feels like to die from snakebite," Friede told AFP via video call from his home in the small US town of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. This experience might put most people off snakes entirely, but Friede simply vowed to be more careful next time. From 2000 to 2018, he allowed himself to be bitten by snakes more than 200 times. He also injected himself with their venom over 650 times. Friede endured this pain because he wanted to achieve total immunity to venom, a practice called mithridatism which should not be tried at home. After a couple of years, Friede started to believe he could be the basis for a better kind of antivenom. The former truck mechanic, who does not have a university degree, long struggled to be taken seriously by scientists. But last month, a study published in the prestigious Cell journal showed that antibodies from his blood protect against a range of snake venom. The researchers now hope Friede's hyper-immunity could even lead to the development of a universal antivenom. This would fill a major need, because currently most antivenoms only cover one or a few of the world's 600 venomous snakes. Up to 138,000 people are killed by snakebites a year, while 400,000 suffer amputations or other disabilities, according to the World Health Organization. These figures are believed to be vastly underestimated because snakebite victims typically live in poorer, remote areas. - 'Pain every time' - Friede's first bite was from a harmless garter snake when he was five years old. "I was afraid, I cried, I ran away," said Friede, now 57. Then he started bringing snakes home and hiding them in pickle jars. His mother sought counselling, but his interest in snakes persisted. Things escalated after Friede attended a class that taught him how to "milk" snakes for their venom. How antivenom is made has changed little over the last 125 years. Small doses of snake venom are injected into animals such as horses, which produce antibodies that can be extracted and used as antivenom. However this antivenom usually only works for bites from that particular species of snake -- and it includes other antibodies from horse that can cause serious side-effects including anaphylactic shock. "I thought, well, if they make antivenom in horses, why can't I just use myself as a primate?" Friede said. He started working through the venom from all the deadly species he could get his hands on, such as cobras, taipans, black mambas and rattlesnakes. "There is pain every time," he said. - 'Proud' - For years, the scientists he contacted to take advantage of his immunity refused to bite. Then in 2017, immunologist Jacob Glanville, who previously worked on universal vaccines, turned his attention towards antivenom. Glanville told AFP he had been looking for "a clumsy snake researcher who'd been bit accidentally a couple times," when he came across a video of Friede taking brutal back-to-back snake bites. When they first spoke, Glanville said he told Friede: "I know this is awkward, but I would love to get my hands on some of your blood." "I've been waiting for this call for a long time," came the response, Glanville said. The antivenom described in the Cell paper includes two antibodies from Friede's blood, as well as a drug called varespladib. It offered mice full protection against 13 of the 19 snake species tested, and partial protection for the remaining six. The researchers hope a future cocktail will cover far more snakes -- particularly vipers -- with further trials planned on dogs in Australia. Timothy Jackson of the Australian Venom Research Unit praised the immunological research, but questioned whether a human needed to be involved, pointing to synthetically developed antibodies. Glanville said the ultimate goal of his US-based firm Centivax was to develop a universal antivenom administered by something like an EpiPen, potentially produced in India to keep the costs down. Friede said he was "proud" to have made a "small difference" in medical history. Now working for Centivax, Friede stopped self-inflicting himself with venom in 2018 to save the firm from liability issues. But he hopes to get bitten by snakes again in the future. "I do miss it," he said. dl/giv
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Manitowoc's top news in May included SS Badger's first sail, Ollie's opening & 6 more stories
MANITOWOC – May saw the opening of Ollie's Bargain Outlet at 1100 S. 30th St. in Manitowoc, the S.S. Badger beginning its sailing season and Two Rivers narrowing its list of city manager finalists to four. Here are five more stories that were among the most read in May. Hot Daugs, Manitowoc's new retro-themed hot dog shop at 316 N. Eighth St., opened to strong sales in April but closed temporarily in early May because of co-owner Brad Daugs being hospitalized. The shop reopened to modified hours the week of May 13-17 with Brad's wife and co-owner Amber Daugs saying the plan was to expand hours as more staff are hired. Current hours remain 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, according to Hot Daugs' website. Read more: Manitowoc Mirro site developer secures tax credits, a 'final step' toward development A U.S. Department of Justice news release in May revealed Michael J. Kornely, 75 of Francis Creek, had been indicted on federal crimes against minors. Kornely is alleged to have transported two minor victims across state lines 'with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity' in 2005 and 2006. The release said Kornely is suspected to have 'used a computer to attempt to persuade, induce and entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity' in March 2024. If convicted, Kornely could face up to a lifetime in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. He would also be required to register as a sexual offender. Kornely has also been charged with multiple sexual assault felonies in Manitowoc County Circuit Court after being arrested March 21, 2024. He was released from Manitowoc County Jail March 22, 2024, after furnishing a $10,000 cash bail. He's next due in court July 15 for a scheduling conference. The latest two big blue cranes manufactured by Broadwind Heavy Fabrications were completed in late 2023 but remain parked in the Broadwind docking area waiting to travel by barge to faraway U.S. Navy shipyards. The Navy determines when the 200-foot-tall cranes are moved, and according to Brett Hartman, director of business development for Broadwind, the first one is now expected to leave in October while the second is expected to leave in spring or summer 2026. The cranes were designed and contracted by the Finnish company Konecranes, and components were made by Broadwind. They are part of a U.S. Navy contract and will be used to service submarine fleets. The two cranes will travel to Naval shipyards via barge to the Pacific Ocean. One will go to Washington state and the other to Hawaii. They will travel through the Great Lakes and then along the East Coast on the Atlantic. They will pass through the Panama Canal, and then either up to the Pacific Northwest or to the Hawaiian Islands, according to Hartman. With summer upon us, we shared our top spots for dining outdoors in the Manitowoc and Two Rivers area. The following establishments made the list: The Wharf Manitowoc, 606 Quay St.; Courthouse Pub, 1001 S. Eighth St., Manitowoc; Pizza Garden, 301 N. Eighth St., Manitowoc; Whisky D's, 1215 26th St., Two Rivers; and Cool City Brewing, 1718 W. Park St., Two Rivers. Read more: Here's our guide for cool places to swim in Manitowoc and Two Rivers this summer In the latest update on progress at the former Mid-Cities Mall and Edgewater Plaza site, Manitowoc Community Development Director Adam Tegen confirmed 'there is still the expectation that some of the construction for single-family and multi-family homes will occur later this year.' Tegen said demolition and site preparation was nearly done, and city officials were in the process of lining up items to clear the way for the sale of the property to Green Bay-area developer Tycore Built LLC by early to mid-summer. Tycore is expected to start installing utilities and infrastructure shortly after the sale. A mix of housing, retail and commercial space is planned at the site. Contact Brandon Reid at breid@ This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc news in May included SS Badger's first sail of 2025 season
CBS News
13-02-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
St. Paul dance team makes school history by going to state tournament
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A St. Paul suburban high school dance team is making history, and they're gaining momentum at the right time with the state tournament starting on Friday. Competing to earn their spot at the state tournament, the Two Rivers dance team gave it their all performing at sections. In 20 seasons with this team, head coach Molly Engle knew she just witnessed something special. "When we got off the floor I said, 'I have no notes for you. You did it,'" said Engle. The Warrior dance team swept their section for the first time in program history taking home first in both Jazz and High Kick. A moment seniors, Bridget Arnold and Hannah Corbett, won't forget. "It was just so surreal, almost just to know that we did it," said Arnold. "I really wanted to go out with a bang, go out on top and really feel proud of my time with this team," said Corbett. Relishing in the historic moment is short lived, as the team gets right back to work to prepare for the state tournament "We're not satisfied yet, we're striving for high scores at the state tournament," said Engle. "My goal for state with this team is to have our best performance of the year and leave it all out there." The team credits a lot of their success this season to chemistry and culture. For these seniors, making this team a joy to be a part the legacy they're most proud of. "We're leaving the team hopefully better than we found it 30," said Arnold. "I just really want people to remember the name of Two Rivers," said Corbett. The Jazz state tournament begins tomorrow morning at Target Center at 11:30. The High Kick State tournament is on Saturday.
