fossilesqueThe Original Flavour
Infamousblt [any]They do have one flaw and that’s their blood being so valuable to humans.
Although perhaps that means humans will ensure their survival. So maybe even that is an evolutionary advantage
underisk [none/use name]There’s been some buzz lately about a synthetic replacement for horseshoe crab blood. Once again outlasting a threat to their species while changing absolutely nothing.
I feel like I’ve heard of this, but it’s bonkers. What is their blood used for again?
I couldn’t wait for the answer
In the 1960s, scientists discovered that the sky blue blood inside horseshoe crabs would clot when it detected bacterial toxins. Vaccines, drugs and medical devices have to be sterile before they’re put inside people. A better toxin-detection system meant less contamination risk for patients
source (Trigger Warning: Begins with a photo of the blood collection many could find disturbing)
Once again bonkers.
Thank you