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