Moroccan scientists invented a "milking machine" for scorpions

Scorpios are not the most pleasant creatures in the world. Nevertheless, they can be very useful for humans. Scorpion venom is used in many medical industries and research. Just getting it is not so simple: usually it is either dangerous for humans or deadly for the scorpion itself. Recently, scientists have come up with a "milking machine" that allows you to collect scorpion poison as efficiently and safely as possible.

Scorpio Roulette

Scorpion venom contains a unique composition that is actively used for the manufacture of immunosuppressants and drugs for malaria, as well as for research in the field of cancer treatment. It costs a lot: up to 11-12 thousand dollars per gram.

Such a price tag is not surprising, given how difficult it is to obtain scorpion poison. Most often this occurs with the help of mechanical stimulation. For this, the scorpion is taken up - which is dangerous in itself - and they pierce it with a sting special rubber film stretched over the vessel into which the poison is collected. From the tip of the sting he drains into a container, filling it. But with this method, there is a chance of getting a bite, which can become dangerous to human life.

Another option, although safer, but less humane in relation to the arthropod itself. The poison is simply pumped out of the abdomen of an already dead scorpion.

Electric "milkmaid"

Scorpions are bred on an industrial scale on a special farm, however, their "milking" always carries either a danger to humans, or entails the death of a scorpion. Scientists from Morocco have proposed a device that can solve this dilemma. It is called VES-4 and connects to the computer via USB, transmitting data on the process of collecting poison.

How it works?

The device consists of four platforms on which scorpions are fixed, pressing them with electrical contacts. When the device is turned on, a small and harmless charge of current is transmitted to the scorpion, which makes it release poison. This poison is automatically collected in a container - for each scorpion it has its own.

During the procedure, the screen shows which scorpion is currently collecting poison.