Comments on: The Benefits of Blue Blood

By: Cynthiaaa

Cynthiaaa — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:46:55 +0000

Itss weird how the crabs blood is worth so much $ .. !

By: GELVIZ

GELVIZ — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:37:15 +0000

I THINK THAT THE WAY THAT THEY FERTILIZE THE BLUE BLOOD AND MAKE IT INTO IV DRUGS AND SELLING IT FOR 15000

By: michaelpDHS

michaelpDHS — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:14:06 +0000

I agree that blue blood is pretty cool but there really is no sure way on how to track how many die which could help the population.

By: Tony McGuane

Tony McGuane — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:17:04 +0000

I think that it is interesting that the crabs have blue blood in the first place lol! But truthfuly it was kind of boring.

By: Em

Em — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:25:19 +0000

Actually, there IS an in-vitro pyrogen test that has proven to match (and even surpass) the LAL in accuracy, precision, cost, and speed. Five methods of endotoxin testing have already been validated in Europe, and if pharmaceutical and medical device testing companies would just contribute to helping validate the methods in the US as well, we would have more human-relevant information that could TRULY save human lives. There are alternatives. We just need to get the industry to support in-vitro testing instead of the outdated and less-accurate animal tests that are easier for them to continue doing.

By: GO Crabs!

GO Crabs! — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:47:25 +0000

All the comments about not hurting the crabs are awesome but how do you suppose we continue to test all of these medical devices and drugs for endotoxin without the crabs blood. Until we find another way to make the lysate without crab blood those crabs are saving human lives! If these devices were released before they were tested for endotoxin and they were dirty it would cause a horrible fever and possibly shock or death to the patient. Not to mention that if the patient is having a medical device used on them or they are taking a drug their immune is probably already compromised and they do not need any more stress from the endotoxin being introduced into their bodies. SOOO until an alternative is found I say GO Crabs!

By: kuala88

kuala88 — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:23:13 +0000

singapore has success fully find out the enzymes that use to detect medicine . if this can be use for the replacement, horse shoe crabs will be saved.

By: Bonnie Towles

Bonnie Towles — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:30:24 +0000

I was appalled at the harsh, indifferent handling of the crabs and at the cost charged for their blood. Typical of big pharmaceutical companies … It is unfortunate that the video mentioned the cost since now every yahoo will be catching and trying to bleed the creatures. As for their decline, perhaps it has something to do with bleeding them … It would be nice to have a link to info re: how the process was developed and how much and how often blood can be drawn. Also, on research to create a synthetic replacement. The ban on catching them for bait should be permanent. So few fisherman destroy so many crabs just to catch eels that they should be helped to segue into a different means of making a living …

By: anon 001

anon 001 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Perhaps the blood harvesting companies should consider feeding the horseshoe crabs before releasing them back into the wild(to help replenish their strength). At $15,000 a quart you would think a bit of feed isn’t too much to ask. Think of it like the courtesy snacks we get for donating blood. Free cookie anyone?

By: Will B

Will B — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:20:40 +0000

Why don’t they rehab the crabs while they build their blood back up so they can sell the crabs that die to the eel fishers. Love PBS and thanks to all who make it possible.