Grasshopper Mice vs. Scorpions

Grasshopper mice have evolved a remarkable adaptation: their Nav1.8 sodium channel carries a unique mutation that causes bark scorpion venom to bind and block it, effectively transforming a painful sting into a pain-relieving anesthetic. This allows them to prey on highly venomous Arizona bark scorpions with ease-grooming off the sting within seconds before killing and eating the scorpion without flinching.

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