What actually happens when a jellyfish stings you?

We all know that jellyfish are venomous and that they sting you if you are unfortunate enough to get too close but what is actually happening?

Australian scientists at James Cook University in Cairns have captured the microscopic response of nematocysts (the organelle responsible for injecting you with venom) belonging to a sea anemone. On average it took 11 milliseconds before these microscopic needles deployed and therefore needed to be watched in slow motion (see GIF below).

giphy

For the full length video, brought to you by youtuber SmaterEveryDay click here.

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