Imagine a creature that predates the dinosaurs by millions of years, yet plays a critical role in safeguarding our health today. Meet the horseshoe crab, a fascinating "living fossil" with a surprising connection to modern medicine. These helmet-shaped arthropods, with their spiky tails and five pairs of legs, have walked the Earth's oceans for over 445 million years. … [Read more...] about Ancient Protectors: The Vulnerable Horseshoe Crab and its Vital Role in Modern Medicine
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Rare Horseshoe Cloud Mesmerizes Nevada Skies
A remarkable sight graced the skies of northern Nevada on March 8, 2018, as an elusive horseshoe vortex cloud made a captivating appearance. These rare cloud formations, known for their fleeting nature, are among the most challenging to find and quickest to dissipate. Dubbed a horseshoe vortex cloud by the Cloud Appreciation Society, this unique cloud formation arises when a … [Read more...] about Rare Horseshoe Cloud Mesmerizes Nevada Skies
The Surprising Eyesight of Horseshoe Crabs: A Closer Look at Their 10 Eyes
Horseshoe crabs are fascinating creatures that have been around for millions of years, and despite their armored appearance, they have a surprising ability - they can see. Horseshoe crabs have ten eyes, which are located in different parts of their body. The most prominent eyes of horseshoe crabs are their compound eyes, which are located on the prosoma, the front part of … [Read more...] about The Surprising Eyesight of Horseshoe Crabs: A Closer Look at Their 10 Eyes
Thousands of Ancient Horseshoe Crabs Are Dying Off The Japanese Coast
Horseshoe crabs have survived five great extinctions, including one that wiped off 96 percent of all species on Earth, yet they are dying in large numbers off the coast of Japan this year for unknown reasons. The shallow seas near Kitakyushu are normally ideal habitat for one of four crab species (Tachypleus tridentatus), and are regarded the most significant breeding area for … [Read more...] about Thousands of Ancient Horseshoe Crabs Are Dying Off The Japanese Coast