Venomous Himalayan pit viper was actually 5 different species all along

Why this matters: new research or scientific developments with potential real-world impact.

Hidden deep in the towering mountains of the Himalayas, one of Asia’s most mysterious venomous snakes has been keeping a major secret for over 160 years. Scientists have now discovered that the so-called Himalayan pit viper is not just one species, but actually five separate species — including thre