You may not know that your health depends on a blue-blooded crab that looks like a spider and a scorpion
The horse show crab has been on Earth for more than 450 million years and is even older than the dinosaurs .
Atlantic horse show crabs can still be seen on the shores of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans during the full moon tides between May and June
What is the use of blue blood?
Scientists have been examining the cleanliness of medical equipment with the help of this crab's blue blood since 1970. The presence of dangerous bacteria on the medical equipment used in the operation can lead to the death of the patient but the blood of this crab indicates the bacteria. This blood is also used in the manufacture of implants in the human body. This blood is helpful in testing whether these devices are bacteria-free. These include devices used in vaccinations against HIV and many other vaccines.
Blue blood business
According to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, about 50 million Atlantic horse shocks are caught for medical needs each year. The blood of these crabs is one of the most expensive fluids in the world. A liter of blood from these crabs costs up to 15,000$.
Scientists say that due to global warming, these crabs are not finding a suitable environment for laying eggs and flourishing.
Why is the blood blue?
The presence of copper in the blood of this crab is the reason why it is blue. Human blood is high in iron, which makes human blood red.
But scientists are not interested in the worm because its blood is blue in color, but because it contains a specific chemical in the blood that accumulates around the bacteria and binds it. This blood can identify bacteria.
Do crabs die after bleeding?
After a hole is drilled near the heart through the back of the crab, 30% of its blood is drawn, after which the crab is released back into the sea.
But according to scientists, 10 to 30 percent of crabs die during this process. The surviving female crabs then have difficulty reproducing . There are currently four species of horse show crabs left in the world .
All four species are rapidly becoming extinct due to overuse in the medical field and being caught as fish food. One of the main reasons for their demise is climate change.
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