Where does the science come in?
Where natural selection is concerned, causing pain is a good way to deter predators from trying to kill you. Several animals have evolved venoms that contain TRPV1 activators as a way of causing excessive pain for defence. The Trinidad chevron spider (Psalmopoeus cambridgei) is one such species.
When it was first discovered, this toxin was named Psalmotoxin, but is now properly called T-theraphotoxin-Pc1a, which is less catchy. Unlike capsaicin this toxin also activates bird TRPV1 channels as it binds to a different site. By mimicking the heat of chillies, the spider warns potential predators. This piece of venom science was the inspiration behind Steve’s Scientific Sauce.