{
  "id": 196241,
  "title": "Aussie snakes have 5 spine zones, necks just 7-12 vertebrae long",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/aussie-snakes-have-5-spine-zones-necks-just-7-12-vertebrae-long",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-05T17:57:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/researchers-examined-every-body-vertebra-in-13-australian-snakes-and-found-five-distinct-regions-including-a-short-neck-just-7-to-12-vertebrae-long/articleshow/132955773.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Recent studies reveal that snake spines are now categorized into five unique anatomical regions. Surprising findings indicate that snakes have a notably short neck, which reflects their ancestral lineage from lizards. Additionally, this research highlights a newly discovered middle thoracic region that has adapted for movement, enhancing their abilities to burrow, swim, and climb. Interestingly,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}