The striking exhibition, THE POWER OF POISON explores poison's paradoxical roles in nature, human health and history, literature, and myth. Whether as a defense against predators, a source of magical strength, or a lethal weapon used as lifesaving medical treatment, the story of poison is surprising at every turn.

In this video, THE POWER OF POISON, you'll see some of the scientific research highlighted in the exhibition. Museum Curator Robert Voss, Research Associate Mandë Holford, and University of Minnesota professor Sharon Jansa discuss recent findings about pit viper venom—and how opossums have developed resistance to its toxins—as well as how studying cone snail venom's effects could lead to medical treatments.

THE POWER OF POISON was on view at the American Museum of Natural History from November 16, 2013, through August 10, 2014. For more information, visit: http://www.amnh.org/poison.

Major funding has been provided by the
Lila Wallace Reader's Digest Endowment Fund.