Discovery of New Cell Type in Pythons for Digesting Bones

This research has discovered a new type of cell in the intestinal lining of Burmese pythons that is responsible for absorbing the skeletons of their prey. Unlike most carnivores that avoid eating bones, snakes and reptiles often consume bones as well. The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, sheds light on how these animals process bones in their diet without suffering from calcium deficiencies. The research team identified specialized cells in the python's intestine that produce large particles containing calcium, phosphorus, and iron, allowing for complete absorption of the prey's skeleton.

The study also found that when pythons were fed boneless prey, these specialized cells did not produce the calcium and phosphorus-rich particles. However, when fed whole rodents or a calcium-supplemented diet, the cells filled with these particles, ensuring that the skeletons were fully dissolved inside the python's body. This newly identified bone-digesting cell has also been observed in other python and boa species, as well as the Gila monster.

Dr. Jehan-Hervé Lignot, the lead researcher, highlighted that marine predators and birds that consume bony animals face similar challenges in processing bones in their diet. The findings of this study were presented at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in 2025.

According to the source: Phys.org.