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Non Gaming Discussions => Off-Topic => Topic started by: videoholic on June 02, 2004, 02:51:24 AM

Title: Go Lightning!!! Bugs...
Post by: videoholic on June 02, 2004, 02:51:24 AM
I was reading this story about how they are paying 10 bucks an ounce for lightning bugs and I assumed it was for research on what makes them glow.

Dude, they are using them for alzheimers and bacteria research.  Who knew?

Why would you even think to use a bug for research like that?

Too bad I live in FL, this would make great suplimental income.

___________________________________________________

Calling all lightning bug collectors! Scientists are calling for help. And the price is going up!  

This year the price for fireflies has jumped to the all-time high of 35-cents per gram or $10 per ounce for a fresh supply of insects. The price in the summer of 2003 was 33-cents per gram or $9.50 per ounce.

Buying the bugs this year are the researchers at Analytical Luminescence Lab in Baltimore, Maryland. The insects will be used in food safety testing to detect contamination of bacteria in food. With outbreaks of e-coli in food, there is a greater public concern for quick, accurate detection of bacteria.

The insects are used also as a detection tool in very important research in molecular biology. Using firefly materials as markers, scientists are attempting genetic research to find potentially revolutionary treatments for such presently incurable diseases as Alzheimer\'s disease and cancer.

Local collectors will get to help science by catching fresh supplies of fireflies at 35-cents gm. or $10 an ounce. This is approximately $1.40 per 100 (approximately, because the insects are purchased by weight, not the count.)

For information or questions, write to: Firefly Project, c/o 122 Emory Ln., Oak Ridge, Tenn., 37830 or call 1-888-520-1272 or e-mail fireflyproject@yahoo.com
Title: Go Lightning!!! Bugs...
Post by: GmanJoe on June 02, 2004, 03:52:19 AM
Ricers glue fireflies to their wipers as LED lights.
Title: Go Lightning!!! Bugs...
Post by: Living-In-Clip on June 02, 2004, 04:15:21 AM
Animal cruelty. Abusing poor lighting bugs for nothing!
I hope PETA sues these people!
I HATE MY COUNTRY!
THEY SHOULD BE EXECUTED!
Title: Go Lightning!!! Bugs...
Post by: Luke on June 02, 2004, 11:52:30 AM
^^^^^Nice Unicorn Impression.
Title: Go Lightning!!! Bugs...
Post by: Titan on June 02, 2004, 12:23:15 PM
It can be fun to take the butts off of them and spread the luminescence stuff in them around and watch it glow.
Title: Go Lightning!!! Bugs...
Post by: Living-In-Clip on June 02, 2004, 01:32:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Luke
^^^^^Nice Unicorn Impression.


Thank you.
Title: Go Lightning!!! Bugs...
Post by: Paul2 on June 02, 2004, 05:12:52 PM
you mean Unicron.:D
Title: Go Lightning!!! Bugs...
Post by: Luke on June 02, 2004, 05:31:11 PM
Yes, I did. Please pardon the shit outta me.