The World's Deadliest and most dangerous…
Ever wondered what insect might have the most painful sting? You’re probably thinking there isn’t a definitive answer. Some people might think a hornet has a more painful sting than a harvester ant, but how would they know if they hadn’t been stung by both of them? So there isn’t really a way of ranking … Read more
When dangerous wild animals are mentioned most people don’t think of the UK. And for good reason. Generally speaking there isn’t much in the way of animals that presents any danger to humans. That was made sure of in Medieval times when all the wolves, bears, wild boars and man-eating hedgehogs were hunted to extinction. … Read more
Back in the good old days if you did something wrong, for example stole a goat or impersonated a chicken, you were pretty much assured being handed a death sentence. In those days there was no hanging around on Death Row, contemplating the errors of your ways whilst waiting for some form of humane, painless … Read more
For an animal (just) that is 95% water, has no brain and eats / defecates out of the same opening the jellyfish have a surprisingly complex and effective weapon at their disposal. Most species have tentacles loaded with stinging cells called nematocysts. When these stinger cells are triggered the internal pressure builds up to a … Read more
Since the first inklings of the potential power of nuclear reactions in the 1920s there has been a scramble to develop the most destructive weapons known to mankind. Nuclear weapons have only ever been used in anger on two occasions (Nagasaki and Hiroshima – Japan, 1945) and the effect was devastating. By modern standards the … Read more
As far as I am aware there is no such thing as a good diseases but believe me some are worse than others. Whilst it is a ecological necessity that infectious disease pathogens evolve to spread more efficiently there is no obvious reason why some of them wreak such horrific deaths on their hosts. You … Read more
As part of the Planet Deadly travel guide I’ve compiled a list of countries for the more adventurous amongst you. As virtually every country on this list is somewhere hot and sunny you can pack your trunks and a flowery shirt. You might also want to back a bullet proof vest as these countries all … Read more
Australia is renowned for having being home to some of the deadliest creatures on the planet. The sea is full of man-eating sharks, it has the deadliest snakes on Earth and there is even a bird capable of killing a man – granted it can’t fly, but you get the picture. However, if australia is … Read more
Since time began humans have looked for more and more effective ways of killing and maiming each other. For this end poison has always been a popular, if not a little sophisticated, choice. Even back in ancient times the rich, powerful and unpopular would employ a food taster to check whether their goat’s head soup … Read more
Dogs have lived alongside man for thousands of years since the first wolves were domesticated. There is little doubt this relationship has been hugely beneficial to both, leading to dogs being commonly referred to as “man’s best friend”. But over recent years there there have been a steady stream of stories in the media cataloging what … Read more