A newly discovered cell helps pythons poop out the bones of their prey

The specialized cells turn a skeleton into semisolid poo

An image of a python, tongue out, on black background

Ssssurprise. Burmese pythons have specialized cells in their intestines that help gather up the calcium and phosphorus from the bones of their prey — cells that might be found in other animals that swallow their meals whole.

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Burmese pythons and other carnivorous snakes are well-known for swallowing their prey whole.