10: Scorpion Venom <br />The notorious scorpion roams the desert sands and is well known for its dangerous bite. Though There are <br /> <br />close to 2,000 scorpion species each species has specialized venom to suit its environment. Not many people <br /> <br />though know how lucrative the venom can be. At close to $10,000 per litre it is one of the most expensive <br /> <br />liquids on the planet. This is due to the obvious dangers of acquiring the venom, the rarity of the specimens <br /> <br />and the medical uses of parts of the venom. In fact, Some of the toxins are immunosuppressants which are <br /> <br />chemicals that suppress the immune system. These can help in diseases where the immune system is not <br /> <br />functioning as it should and in the right doses, Scorpion venom toxins can help treat diseases such as <br /> <br />multiple sclerosis. Interestingly scorpions are not prone to using their venom and would much rather catch <br /> <br />prey with their claws due to the difficulty in creating it. However They will use the venom to escape larger <br /> <br />predators and various situations they cannot flee from. Though often painful, scorpion bites are rarely fatal <br /> <br />and many antivenoms have been made for the various types of scorpions in the United States alone. <br />9: GHB <br />Known scientifically as Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid, and non-scientifically as the ´Date Rape drug, GHB is a <br /> <br />very interesting drug. As a drug it is a depressant, and therefore dampens the central nervous system. At <br /> <br />$660 per litre, legitimate uses for GHB include treatment for narcolepsy, alcoholism and cataplexy. It is <br /> <br />used illegitimately and most famously as a drug that especially when mixed with alcohol can cause rapid <br /> <br />intoxication and sedation. Side-effects can even include memory loss after use. The rapid intoxication <br /> <br />effects are sometimes used by teenagers for a powerful high, and users describe it having a salty or soapy <br /> <br />taste. <br />8: Mercury <br />This amazing liquid metal is also known as quicksilver and before its toxicity became widely feared, it was <br /> <br />used in many devices around the world. The most popular were thermometers, thanks to its quick expansion <br /> <br />during temperature changes. In fact some historians believe that The first emperor of China died after <br /> <br />exposure to Mercury that was ironically supposed to give him eternal life. To ancient alchemists, mercury was <br /> <br />a pure state from which other metals could be created by simply adding sulfur. Today however, mercury <br /> <br />poisoning is a well documented occurrence and is actively avoided at all costs. Still, as an element, Mercury <br /> <br />is particularly rare and exists only in small amounts within the Earth's crust. It is still used today in <br /> <br />some kinds of electrical switches and some kinds of blood pressure monitors. The price? Around $900 per <br /> <br />liter. <br />7: Horseshoe Crab Blood <br />Though our human blood can look blue in our veins, that is only because our eyes see the blue light that has <br /> <br />a different wavelength than red. Our blood is red in part thanks to the segment of our blood called <br /> <br />hemoglobin, which is iron-rich and helps distribute oxygen to the cells. The living fossils that are <br /> <br />Horseshoe Crabs don't have this. Instead they have something called Hemocyanin, which is copper-rich and <br /> <br />makes their blood appear blue. This blue blood is highly valued at close to $16,000 per litre and has led to <br /> <br />the creation of many harvesting farms. Most crabs survive, though Up to 30% may die depending on the <br /> <br />harvesting center . The blood is so highly valued as the it contains specialized cells which are amazingly <br /> <br />powerful at fighting bacteria. They are not only more effective than vaccines but much faster and Have helped <br /> <br />horseshoe crabs survive for almost 450 million years. Unfortunately over harvesting is having an effect on <br /> <br />crab populations, though vaccines are being developed that may save countless human lives. As we are learning <br /> <br />to take the best of other species to improve our own we seem to be leaving some hurt animals in our wake. <br />6: LSD <br />This is the Drug that would become synonymous with the sixties as a whole and the flagship of psychedelics. <br /> <br />Also known as acid, LSD can provide vivid visual effects and hallucinations and was a popular recreational <br /> <br />drug. A powerful and well-researched substance, It has been used by many pop-culture icons after its <br /> <br />invention in 1938. It´s mental effects were discovered when it´s creator Swiss chemist, Albert Hoffman <br /> <br />accidentally consumed a number of doses by licking his fingers after working with the chemical.
