SHRIMP

This weeks’ most uplifting moment for staff here at Crunch Magazine is the news that scientists at the Pacific University in Oregon have undertaken a study whereby they have placed a number of shrimp on miniature treadmills in order to ascertain the lengths in which the small creatures will go to acquire food.

The findings of the team involved have only just been published. It has been discovered that an average shrimp will ‘jog’ at speeds of up to 66 FOOT PER MINUTE and can continue for up to THREE HOURS before needing a rest.

This is quite possibly the cutest thing staff here at Crunch magazine have seen in our entire lives :

Well, maybe not.

STUDY

Professor David Scholnick was one of the scientists involved in determining the differences between shrimp who are in a healthy condition and those which are ill. The reasoning behind the study is ultimately to aid marine biologists in their attempts to ascertain the affects of different viruses on marine life off the western coast of America.

This is a topic which has been growing in importance over recent years with dwindling fish stocks becoming an increasing issue of concern. Scientists in Europe are also beginning to invest ever increasing amounts of money in the study of the harmful bacterias which attack marine life. A demonstration of some of recent findings can be found here, describing the ‘Cheshire Cat’ anti – bacterial defence mechanism which has altered the way in which the subject is studied.

According to Prof Scholnik : “The situation is much more critical for a sick crustacean where a decrease in performance may mean the difference between life and death,”

“A shrimp dealing with an infection is less active and limited in its ability to migrate, find food, and avoid being eaten.”

He added: “These studies will give us a better idea of how marine animals can perform in their native habitat when faced with increasing pathogens and immunological challenges.”

CRUNCH MAGAZINE’S VIEW

O.k, we will give it to this man on a points victory alone and for one reason only : The taxpayer is not footing the bill for the long hours this man spends in the laboratory passively observing shrimp on a treadmill.

Let us just repeat that…passively observing shrimp on a treadmill.

Please click here and scroll down for background article on marine conservation.

Niall Feiritear : niall.feiritear@my.westminster.ac.uk