Selected for SCINEMA 2018 Community Program

Nathan Dappen (USA)

Most scorpions are harmless to humans but in the deserts of North America, one group of species, collectively called striped bark scorpions, produce venom that is potentially lethal and extremely painful. Despite their potent venom, striped bark scorpions are still a favourite meal of a small rodent called the grasshopper mouse. After decades of work, biologists have discovered that this tiny mouse may be the key to explaining how and why striped bark scorpion venom is so toxic.

Founded in 2000, SCINEMA is the largest science film festival in the southern hemisphere celebrating the power of moving image to explain the wonders of science.

It combines SCINEMA International Science Film Festival and SCINEMA Community Program.

The Festival premieres across Australia in June each year and showcases the best science film from around the world.

SCINEMA Community Program takes place in Australia during National Science Week in August.