The Sloths That Could Cure Cancer: Bio-Prospecting in Panama

VICE News host Thomas Morton swings from the trees with an international team of scientists in Panama that's found a promising treatment for malaria, Chagas disease and breast cancer in the most unlikely place: The mossy fur of tree sloths. It's yet another reason to not cut down rainforests. About half of all drugs brought to market from 1997-2006 came from plants, fungi and bacteria discovered by "bio-prospectors" in nature. And we see that sloths are just one of many new and unusual frontiers for this research.
Read the study by scientist Sarah Higginbotham here: www.plosone.org...
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[@VICENews]

VICE News host Thomas Morton swings from the trees with an international team of scientists in Panama that's found a promising treatment for malaria - sloths. WATCH NEXT: How The World's Deadliest Pandemics Are Born - bit.ly/2IMw31e

[@savedbychristsavedbygrace2049]

Why is your reporter such a prick?

[@teddyriggsby]

Yeah a reporter you fired

[@lockethomas7165]

Cure cancer? sure. They do not tell you what cancer is or the simple steps to avoid it, but this little nerd from vice is enlightening the world with his secret knowledge pffff

[@thecrashcoarse]

Anyone else notice that the Sloth expert seemed to start getting more and more passive aggressive the longer the host kept talking shit about the Sloth lol.

[@PVAPlayy]

Not gonna lie, he is pretty much the most annoying Vice reporter I've seen to date.

[@thecrashcoarse]

***** To be fair the guide did say that every plant down there could kill him. Maybe that chemical burn plant was the plan all along lol. And they sent a guy who's afraid of heights to rope climb a 100ft tree. Maybe they were trying after all.

[@rustyray420]

Victor Remus i find him the most entertaining lol

[@Lizzifer7]

it was so sweet of him not to throw a sloth in their face XD

[@daniel3231995]

@William Kappler he was sent to Syria

[@llgla]

Sloth's brain: duuuudeee that's trippy man...now put me back..... Ah... tree branch.... beautiful... hug...

[@irenerandazzo4206]

you are the best comment on this video... I love sloths btw they look like somebody who smoked lots of weed cause they so slow and they are super cute like they hug everything...

[@ice-tgaming4609]

Ahahaha

[@hanakibinzo2431]

Slowmo

[@mr4rroz]

Studying sloths is that scientist's life; you can see his eyes light up each time he interacts with a sloth. It's extremely rude and offensive for you to continually insult sloths right in front of him. Whether you're aware of it or not, you are basically insulting all the hard-work and time that man has dedicated toward understanding more about sloths and their potential role in drug development. I recommend keeping that in mind next time you conduct another a science-related documentary.

[@jennazhang4927]

Exactly!! The reporter kept saying the sloth was really slow got me so irritated.

[@yogidrummer333]

Yeah where do they get these reporters? He was trying to be funny and some things were funny but mostly disrespectful as hell. Hed be perfect for a jackass documentary.

[@nutsecks4254]

In general this guy seems to be one of the biggest, most self absorbed jackasses they employ.

[@MovieWatchingChannel]

sloths are slow, are you all completely retarded how was he even insulting the sloths, he never said "fuck you sloths" or anything like that

[@thomasharlovic7470]

Hate to break it to ya, um, I don't think the sloth knows what he's saying. Shocker, right?

[@TheNanoSan]

Sloth are like the cutest and at the same time most badass animals ever.

[@Kuckerkarlson]

i can tell you like sloths just looking at your profile pic xD

[@dawnasharelle]

i tried. to give him a chance but i don't like this reporter!

[@Omajdascz]

+aintnobodygottimefadat What the hell its my favourite reporter from vice :(

[@Omajdascz]

+aintnobodygottimefadat What the hell its my favourite reporter from vice :(

[@Omajdascz]

+aintnobodygottimefadat What the hell its my favourite reporter from vice :(

[@dawnasharelle]

Tonda Laštuvka 😳

[@robertmarccouturec2217]

+aintnobodygottimefadat he's not super buff or the stereotype of maculinity; but its 2016, focus on the potency of the issues he is covering and not some ideal of being a man. Hes got his heart and mind in the right place and as he gets older I think he will really become a great and mighty human and also a rough and tumble reporter!

[@jameswray50]

"Was that the sloth" "That was a termite nest" LOL

[@CeoLogJM]

It shows how much they trully look like a nest. evolution at its finest.

[@Nick-rd6qr]

Tbh I also thought that was a sloth xD

[@uwotm8660]

CeoLogJM evolution is a joke

[@CeoLogJM]

iVoRTeX v7 Yes it creates some funny and wierd creatures indeed

[@CeoLogJM]

iVoRTeX v7 Thank you sir.

[@Allisonlikescats]

The reporter is so rude about the sloths, trying to be funny the whole time. The guy who works with them kisses the sloth and is so sweet to them. Clearly this reporter isn't an animal person. Vice should have sent someone who actually likes sloths, I'd be so freaking excited to see the sloth.

[@Allisonlikescats]

Jada x Wow this was not worth picking a fight over. But if you want me to respond... In short he said that the sloth was a retarded mistake, if that's not rude, then I don't know what is. Also what is there not to be in favor of? IT'S ABOUT SLOTHS! I'm pro sloths if there ever was such a thing. But they really should get a reporter who shows more respect for what they are interviewing. That is all. I'm done with this.

[@harrypotter6894]

I thought he was pretty funny. He wen't because obviously it's a change for him.

[@BrognorLightbringer]

Allison Burnett Well, he was right, you know... A sloth IS like a mistake of nature, all other animals become faster, stronger or even deadlier and sloths do the exact opposite. Now I don't know if it looks like a retarded badger, it kinda does, with it's short snout and all :P

[@jamiemccoy8442]

I LOVE SLOTHS!!!😍😍😍💗💗💗💗

[@AlaskanThunder245]

The reporter is a pussy.. just look at him

[@carmay3600]

7:23 She is soooo cute...She does not look like a mistake!!!! :/

[@SethAllanAmes]

+carmay3600 thats what i said when i saw your profile pic

[@jakesaglio6288]

+Seth Ames savage

[@illfigure9270]

+Seth Ames you SAVAGE!!!

[@Shunanobii]

+Seth Ames omg i can kill my self LOL

[@loveless3138]

Sloths do look derpy, that's why they're cute.

[@LAtttiful]

I'm shocked that he didn't call the sloth a fucked up Muppet. Lol!

[@lindseyluna13]

I love sloths!! The guy he is interviewing is really smart. I love all his little tidbits of information.

[@madman3891]

Lol you have to be really slow to allow a sloth to catch your hand...

[@genericname3470]

I am not the muscle head type or alpha wannabe but jesus christ this guy comes off as beta

[@s70rk]

When I read the title of the video I pictured a sloth in a lab coat handing out chemo treatments to patients.

[@lucakanga8537]

Sloth the most chill animal ever. 😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@danielm6739]

i feel like bryson was very insulted by thomas. why so much sloth hate?

[@DeathOrGlory83]

And this is why we destroy ecosystems and species at our own peril; many of them hold the secrets to medicines and cures.

[@PrinceFrogg]

Sloths look like midget snipers with ghilliesuits on

[@awesomo660]

True dat

[@flutemusicplayer]

There were some parts that seemed so funny to me because of the reporter😂😂

[@empiregaming5320]

#SaveTheSloths

[@flyingsloth2188]

YES

[@irenerandazzo4206]

the sloths will not die idiots! They just get some dirt out of the sloths für or a little hair from them and then let them go. Did you see the video or not? °They are not experimenting on sloths. And even if they where, if they can cure mortsl illnesses like cancer then i would not even care!! You are probably a stupid Vegan/Animal obsessed person who would save a dog over a sick child. Anyhow I repeat THESE PEOPLE DON'T EXPERIMENT ON ANIMALS!

[@iGotGameDoU]

destroying these rain forest is inhumane in every sense of the word

[@AaronSof]

I love how useless this guy is. It made the watch very entertaining.

[@Americansikkunt]

Who else is going to to middle of he panama rainforest, potentially getting deathly sick, to learn about sloths?

[@cornking6]

Lol *Aaaron Sloth.

[@djclawson]

They give Thomas all the most humiliating assignments.

[@coolgreenfrog1]

Americansikkunt I would it would be a unique experience!

[@jarcnuscole1199]

I know, lol. this dude makes me laugh.

[@alexisbrea9391]

I love him, the reporter, because he adds humor. BUT he could be more respectful taking that this is his occupation

[@MistakenMedia]

3/4 of the plants and animals on this planet have yet to be discovered, around 3.5million still.

[@Ohsohated]

like bigfoot, and the grudge!! :D

[@LilMexicano080]

How do you know it 3/4 what if it's 7/8

[@KingBobBobBob]

Yue Fei uhh it was Japanese... before that horribad remake anyways

[@KingBobBobBob]

Baha works

[@Isaac]

LilMexicano080 or 5/6

[@Splexsychiick]

I just love how passionate the researchers are.😢 Wow

[@shawnatshawn]

-Manic laughter- followed by, "She looks like a retarded badger". - Thomas Morton of vice Wow, it's almost an accurate description. Some of you are probably thinking, "the fuck is this guy doing on vice", but that had me rolling inside. And hell, I still learned something.

[@carolyoung9269]

Hey there again!Thankyou for finding this site for me.I'll be spending some time there!

[@shawnatshawn]

Carol YOUNG Hi Carol! Glad you like it!! It's been nice seeing all your comments haha, isn't my pup a cutie??! Hope you are enjoying your night :)

[@shawnatshawn]

WinstonSmith6079 O.o you alright there, Winston...?

[@carolyoung9269]

shawnatshawn​ THAT'S YOUR PUPPY?Every fiber of my being just got a shot of ENVY!!! 🌈🐨

[@carolyoung9269]

Cue dripping sarcasm-WHAT A FUN JOB!!Hope they make good money! (The last sentence was from my heart.)💞💛💚💙💜 🌈🐨

[@AnimalHouseforReal]

I weep for the future

[@glynh888]

AnimalHouseforreal- If animals could speak, mankind would weep.

[@jaelynnzee9091]

Watch It's our choice or video on The Venus Project. you may feel better. The hard part will be to get the greedy people and companies to give up their stolen wealth to save the planet. It STILL angers me that the US has become so crappy when we allegedly have the highest productivity. I do my best to live as green as possible and could go MUCH greener for a bit of money that I likely will never get. Don't even need to buy land, just need a tiny house, some solar power and a greenhouse that has a heat sink so I can grow food for myself all winter. I'd like for each neighborhood to have greenhouse, aquaponics and permaculture to regain our food security from corporations. The more they control food, the more they control the people.

[@ikaroshalloumi1902]

I feel you, but... Less weeping, more action. Every little action counts. Sharing a video, informing your relatives and friends, writting an essay at school. Conciousness. Every action counts

[@YanitedBT]

I give humanity 150 more years tops

[@bluecatlee1043]

I just think the country needs more international support to preserve the rainforests. LIke really, they are building hospitals for their people!! We shouldn't stop that! If anybody wants to really protect the rainforests, they should set up an international funding committee that helps to support area's economy enough to be able to cease urbanization of the forests.

[@Bradlee297]

it's so sad what humans are doing the earth. it's like we are the cancer

[@Cinicraft00]

This host with the glasses gets on my nerves

[@DeceitfulDestiny]

Please please please choose your reporters better for the piece they are reporting on

[@HamCubes]

Quit using antibacterial soaps, people! If you're not working in a hospital or practice, and are washing your hands correctly, you don't need anti-bac soaps.

[@clot8]

8:32 look at the reporter laughing like a maniac and making fun of the sloth on the other hand the host says "c'mon darling" to the sloth. I love both the host and the sloth.

[@JS-mb7ww]

The microbiologist's speech near the end had me on the verge of tears.

[@Haglar6]

this guy must have been really sheltered his whole life scared of climbing a tree

[@freal]

80 feet tree climbing is different, brush

[@pipashard779]

HaglarsCave nice observation.

[@seanhealey3842]

HaglarsCave true worst moment of his life i duno but i would feel triumphant

[@Remy766]

Thank you Thomas Morton for using popular insulting words like junkie to describe a sloth and degrade addicts. As a recovering "junkie" I find what he said extremely offensive. Also to grab a sloth the way he tried to is dangerous for both him and the sloth. I love VICE but I wish they would stop using employees who further ignorance and hateful rhetoric.

[@MelvinJensen]

In this installment of: We send Thomas outside....

[@josephaether377]

this has to be one of the only wild animals you can just go running up to and grab without a problem of some sort. did you all see that Eskimo kiss he gave her!? awwwwwwww; so cute. i don't care how smelly and fungus filed they are, i would cuddle and totally try to gently enchant her with petting and back scratches. my aunt said that she saw one in the road one time (she's rich and goes around the world regularly). so she carried him over to the other side of the road where he was on his way to and when she put him back down, he looked up (from behind) at her face and did a cute little, "thank you," whimper/light growl. the he turned back towards his trek and continued on slowly. these little guys just melt my heart.

[@ezno3136]

I fucking love sloths

[@Point303Operator]

Sloths ftw

[@xXPuNkRoCkRulesXx]

You have these four guys busting their balls trying to get the sloth off the tree, and then you have the sloth. Who's just like "hey.... whats up. you need me? I'll just be up here. Chilling...." They're my spirit animal.

[@ZankuroMinazuki]

Geez, Thomas, I thought that sloth was adorable! Hardly a mistake or a worthless animal and certainly not one worth laughing at! I have also never seen such a gentle and docile wild animal that so easily lets humans touch it. Sloths rock...slowly, yes, but they do rock!

[@DavidPuckArtist]

Not a big fan of this reporter... I'm guessing the wry comments are supposed to be funny but just doesn't work for me... The neuroscientist at the beginning was very charismatic though.

[@jameswray50]

So even if they do find new medications from animals in the rainforest, what happens when diseases adapt to them as well?

[@DeathOrGlory83]

well then i guess were fucked...

[@Tonym-ey9sl]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@zyygis]

That will be quest for later generations

[@ipotatis]

The ones we have now dont necessarily cure the diseases but slow them down, giving the diseases time to adapt. these people are trying to find a CURE, like a proper, solid cure. one that exterminates the disease, if the disease exterminated it cant adapt.

[@v1eTsOuLx]

DaCamponTwee 15:00 Apparently those ants have been using the same antibiotic for 10 million years so could be possible that the next antibiotic will last longer than just 30 years. There's always hope

[@MsAfroAssassin]

I love Thomas Morton's pieces so much. He makes them way more fun to watch. 7:22

[@hdaviator9181]

I did some research. The crunchy part of fig newtons are seeds, not wasp parts... right?

[@Tonym-ey9sl]

Idk maybe you'll never find out and maybe you are eating parts of wasps

[@officialpjkillah]

Lmao yes you're right

[@sweeterthananything]

yes they're just seeds.

[@johnsoutherland3403]

most definitely wasp parts.

[@hattialim]

Everyone's throwing shade bc the journalist isn't acting like cooper anderson but you're watching VICE people!! He's sarcastic, awkward, funny and knowledgable; it's exactly what they want. This is a co. that got started by as a fringe mag of humorous and provocative commentary about sex drugs and art. So everyone just cool it! haha..

[@cheruzaleming]

+Hatti Lim seriously. so many fucking fox news idiots coming on here wanting prescribed, cookie-cutter journalism. I find this reporter brilliant, sarcastic, humorous and knowledgeable. maybe that's the antidote they can't handle.

[@shukrijimale3340]

I just want to hug all the sloths in the word . That right there is my life ambition.

[@yakigesher-zion7289]

This is the happiest I’ve seen Thomas

[@alyssashufelt4380]

Everyone's making comments saying the reporter is being rude and unprofessional. And yeah he makes smart ass comments but he never says anything disrespectful. In fact he asks in depth questions and listens to the people he talks to. I think his a good reporter.

[@jessiec2220]

I hope this reporter is let go.

[@christianmoriarty2668]

welcome to world out side the western worlds little bubble of fucking cat videos and selfies with real problems not just pointless bullshit i just wish people could wake up and see this

[@thethreeamazingmen]

but first, let me take a selfie.....please kill me :(

[@georgef1176]

They are so precious. Look at her smile! What an amazing animal!!

[@chrisandcecelia]

I watched this because I thought there would be nothing more hilarious than Thomas Morton holding a sloth. And I was right.

[@TrevorStruthers]

Exploration good, wiping out these places for shopping malls is sad. very sad.

[@iminfinite8333]

Sloths always look high... Always...

[@lifey196]

It's to true though

[@Rallen9900]

I know this is an old video. But Thomas is probably my favourite host on vice. He's awkward but adventurous, crudely funny, very informative in a sense of how he speaks his mind and overall, a great host that I can relate to personally very well. I do think he gets a lot of undeserved hate for people wanting a "Bear Grylls type" reporter instead, considering the lengths he goes to to make these videos. Keep on reporting Thomas!

[@gabrielagomezquesada1599]

I wish people would understand how important the rainforest is, and how we should respect nature!

[@fishingwithleaches]

Idk why everybodys so mad about this reporter, i honestly like the guy

[@isahyahayayusuf1072]

I'm so happy for Dr osaye, his herbal medication are so authentic and work's perfectly just according to how he said it would,may your great personality reign,and your soul be blessed just as you spread healing across the world.

[@carlosdiazdeleon6842]

Where can I find dr Osaye?

[@wtfr3nch]

When I saw the title of this video, I just imagined a sloth in a lab verrrrry slowly conducting research and experimenting new ways of curing cancer

[@SirianSoul]

Guys where did this guy get his glasses ?? from 1984??

[@plh8707]

well now i don't like fig newtons any more. thanks a fucking lot, vice.

[@SauceChef]

Bryson Voiron, the scientist, is so cool that he knows his shit. Respect.

[@DanielSRosehill]

This young scientist guy is really inspiring - he knows so much and has such passion for his subject matter!

[@g3n3r4lxh1pp0]

LMAO "They're like junkies, they just lays around and scratches" this dude cracks me up

[@silverspecter2101]

Thomas makes these documentaries hilarious to watch. Sure, he can be a whiner, but I feel like that makes me sort of sympathize with him.

[@nofourskin]

Ya he`s a funny little goofy, i like how he does not censor himself .

[@dougpbcc]

being a huge puss is clearly his schtick

[@elflaco6654]

Sloth's are so cool and laidback. I want one. I would name it "Mellow". LMAO

[@dorianramsey41]

el Flaco 66 cool

[@abcdefg54321x]

ROTFL @ "She looks like a retarded badger" i'm literally laughing out loud😂🤣😂🤣

[@kristinafullard226]

Why is it that its been over six months since we've seen Thomas? Come on guys we have to have more Morton! Since I first watched him years ago when he was in Colombia I've loved him.

[@LxightFxxls]

Sloths when touch by someone they don't know, their heart rate increases significantly and that's why they don't recommend touching the sloths

[@09011994]

Sloths are adorable.

[@lpopark3844]

Thomas Morton, the best vice reporter, his sarcasm.... i can't even

[@prbetty719]

the sloth in the tree must be like Bro...wtf man. I'm sleeping here...can you not?

[@Gago0512]

LMFAO "hysterical laughing....." "it looks like a retarted badger"

[@---nobody---]

Never, ever eating a Fig Newton again. -_-

[@XavierValencia21]

Marten Dekker Fig seeds are fertilized by wasps

[@NickSalvation]

Thank you uploading a documentary worth watching.

[@raisukeuzarachi]

I can imagine myself in that situation, holding the sloth: "Hey sloth, how's it goin'?" "...... ...... ...... ...just chillin" "Cool" whereas other animals would probably freak the fuck out and injure me somehow

[@tomkingslayer8375]

Should have sent someone who loves memes.

[@Square60]

The issue of losing biodiversity, antibiotic resistance, deaths from disease, etc all come down to humans not following the right economic structure. People make money off of being irresponsible rather than being responsible. Until we change that capitalism will continue to cause imbalance (disease, destruction, income inequality).

[@NimtasDNB001]

... shouldn't he be wearing gloves when taking the samples? I mean.. isn't the point to get good reads on what the hair contains?

[@s_ensei]

He may be a bad journalist, but he's funny and chilled out as fuck. This guy could make a documentary about the fucking apocalypse and still make you laugh a little.

[@UntenableStrength]

This is 2 years ago, I still wonder what Vice was thinking with this reporter.

[@fearghal10]

Thomas has this way of belittling and detracting from any subject he reports on with his 'I'd rather be at my computer in New York than whatever shithole they've sent me to this time' attitude. He doesn't seem to even enjoy the work let alone be good at it, not sure why he is still presenting reports. Not that I could do it better, just think he's a poor choice.

[@thethreeamazingmen]

he enjoys it, hes just an attention seeker...also, big ass pay check

[@TreeBeardNero]

This episode has taught me more than the news has probably ever.

[@deusdotexe7683]

I love this reporter, He's just honest.

[@faller006]

lol carmenza spadafora is my aunt i didn't even know she was in this video.

[@yklcs]

I know this is an old comment, but congrats on having an aunt devoted to improving humanity through science.

[@wisdumb4717]

Who's here from Blaziken? haha

[@josiahtaylor9888]

Me😂😂

[@agentfox6236]

Me

[@bangoballa]

+FattyChumChum the pokemon?

[@josiahtaylor9888]

+Faiz MI faze blaziken the cod player

[@josiahtaylor9888]

+Odyssey Kazuko but y u mad though

[@GoyliathZiofister]

This was actually funny and enjoyable to watch, nice to see they still do unpolitical/non-liberal documentaries every now and then. You could see that the sloth scientist guy had a real passion for his job too. The world needs more people like that.

[@CountingStars333]

They should do conservative documentaries. What would you want in one of those.

[@g-lowgoose7633]

Imagine the other things we could’ve learned from the animals that went extinct

[@ChasAmericanMade]

I like that VICE News lets their reporters say what they want. I enjoy the different personalities of each reporter. I am sorry some here can not respect your open book reporting style. Anyways, I don't think Shane or any other major contributor will be swayed that easily into changing styles or reporters just because people pitch fits. Is that not what we are irritated with our own government for? Someone is offended so now we can't do something....SMDH I wish it were worth more of my time to address these morons further.

[@bepisschultz6971]

all hail the sloth

[@Lexman00]

Don't mean to go all conspiracy theorist over here, but why are the bacteria developing resistance to human made anti-biotics? Maybe because the pharmaceutical companies that make those drugs and anti-biotics made them so that they would lose effectiveness over time? Not saying it's impossible for a bacteria or organism to adapt and evolve, but let's not forget that pharmaceutical companies are a "business" and their goal is "profit," so why would they want to develop drugs and anti-biotics that will last a long time? There is no big profit to be made that way.

[@WorldofVerbose]

4,696 likes vs 159 dislikes, yet they think we care that they don't like the reporter, I prefer him. His humor fits.

[@dechentries]

Rude much?

[@godexists2177]

evolved millions of years??? 😱😱😱😱

[@godexists2177]

antmandemcrest you are kidding right?

[@MinusMaximusXX]

God Exists Nop... serch for the giants slots of the ice age

[@godexists2177]

wsatrfehy edgetht search for human giants, the nephillim.

[@godexists2177]

Siedler Joe as you know it is an unprovable lie, you can keep it to your secular self.

[@CrazyKosai]

God Exists People in 2014 still believe in religion? Well, thats just ridiculous. Top kek.

[@newcheese8554]

fascinating. Thomas always delivers the goods

[@Gawdsqwad]

SHE'S LIKE HEYYYYYYYYYYYY.............. BACKKKKKKKKKKKKK......... THE.................... FUQQQQQQQQ.......... UPPPPPPPPPPPPP.............

[@kenlezzy]

Thank Goodness People like Carmenza Spadafora are around. and does this host always have to sound so damn douchy ?

[@CobiSimon]

I love this guy. Fuck ya'll... He's the best Vice can get.

[@griffinhatt4669]

I don't mind him but he's not the best

[@illfigure9270]

he is good

[@TooMuchRacism]

Ben Anderson tho

[@Lameducks]

Thank you, He has put himself in many situations that people who hate on him would never do. He has dedication, and part of his reporting is him seeming out of place, it adds a little charm to the videos in my opinion.

[@adelaidaayala1668]

it seems like hes a pussy that tries to act cool. no cool points

[@TheThirdIdentity]

Thomas Morton is fantastic. Hes hilarious and why not? Its VICE NEWS not FOX NEWS

[@kadnan67]

Finally thomas is back