The man who injects himself with venom

For the last 30 years, Steve Ludwin has carried out his controversial practice of collecting venom and injecting himself with it. From vipers to cobras, the snakes that have donated venom for Steve's experiments have pushed his body to the limit. He has even been hospitalised after overdosing on the toxic substances.

In the video above, Steve explains why he continues to play such a dangerous game with death and the effect that his fascination with snakes has had on his life. This short film was originally produced for the exhibition Venom: Killer and cure.

Complex chem-hiss-try

Venom is a complex cocktail of proteins and peptides. Each can have a different effect on the human body, from excruciating pain to extensive tissue decay and even death.

Antivenom, which is used to cure venomous bites, has been made the same way for more than a century. But to make it, experts need to collect venom. Dr Ronald Jenner explains in the video below.