Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Horseshoe Crab Blood
Aug 21, 2019
Discover the extraordinary world of horseshoe crabs, ancient survivors with unique blue blood. This remarkable liquid is a crucial tool in detecting pathogens, making it invaluable in medical science. Learn about the ethical concerns surrounding its harvesting, originally aimed at reducing animal testing. Dive into the ongoing threats these creatures face from over-exploitation and habitat loss, and explore potential synthetic alternatives that could secure their future. It's a captivating blend of biology, ethics, and conservation.
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Horseshoe Crab Overview
- Horseshoe crabs are ancient, unchanged for 450 million years, and resemble an overturned bowl with a tail.
- Though called horseshoe crabs, they're closer to spiders and scorpions.
Horseshoe Crab Blood Use
- Horseshoe crab blood detects pathogens in medical samples, vaccines, and drugs.
- Its use began after FDA approval, leading to extensive harvesting.
Horseshoe Crab Mating
- Female horseshoe crabs lay thousands of eggs in sand, fertilized by a male clinging to her back.
- Other males, called satellite males, wait nearby for a mating opportunity.