Key Points Pythons can consume prey larger than their own body mass and undergo significant physiological changes post-feeding. Research from CU Boulder reveals that pythons' hearts grow, their cardiac tissue softens, and their pulse doubles after a large meal. The study aims to use these insights to develop new treatments for cardiac fibrosis and other metabolic diseases in humans. Python hearts demonstrate healthy growth similar to elite athletes, making them an intriguing model for studying heart health. Ongoing research seeks to identify…