How scorpions became an unlikely ally in the fight against cancer

Paediatric oncologist Dr Jim Olson talks about his latest pioneering idea - using scorpion venom to 'paint' cancer cells

Jim Olson is a paediatric oncologist whose research is being talked about around the world thanks to some innovative thinking - and scorpions. Based at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, he leads a team whose biggest success is "tumour paint", a drug that attaches to cancer cells, lighting them up so it is easier for surgeons to operate successfully.

The paint was developed from chlorotoxin found in scorpion venom and is currently being tested in clinical trials. So excited was Olson, 52, by this discovery that he had the knot of bonds at the centre of the chlorotoxin molecule tattooed on his upper arm. Decorating his office are framed photographs of his patients at Seattle Children's Hospital, who are clearly the motivation for his work: he is driven by a desire to tell more parents their children will survive.