Snakes which belong to the family known as "pit vipers" tend to have what experts call a "sixth sense" that no other mammals or reptiles can boast of. Snakes like pythons, boas and rattlesnakes have special pits which are located right between their eyes and nostrils and can sense even the smallest of changes in temperature as infrared rays, and this helps them in locating prey which is warm-blooded, like rats.

Researchers have now managed to hit upon a chemical explanation for this unique ability to pick up infrared radiations, which had been an intense mystery for decades.

Led by Dr. David Julius, the researchers have revealed that the snakes end up detecting infrared through their version of a protein which is commonly known as TRPA1.

"Venomous pit vipers detect warm-blooded prey through their ability to sense infrared radiation. Superimposition of thermal and visual images within the snake's brain enables it to track animals with great precision and speed", said Dr. Julius.

He further explained that biophysical studies have hinted that this whole system is highly sensitive, allowing vipers to detect prey at distances of as much as 1 meter.