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From Extraordinary Eyes to Lethal Strikes: How the Mantis Shrimp Became a Marvel of Nature
The mantis shrimp, a small but astonishing crustacean, has captured the attention of scientists thanks to three remarkable features: its complex vision system, powerful strikes, and extraordinary DNA repair abilities.
Despite its modest appearance, the mantis shrimp includes over 250 species found in tropical and subtropical waters. Its eyes contain 12 to 16 types of photoreceptors, allowing it to detect ultraviolet and polarized light, a visual capability that has inspired the development of ultra-sensitive cameras that may one day aid in early cancer detection.
A group known as “smashers” possesses hammer-like appendages that can strike with speeds of up to 23 meters per second, producing impacts strong enough to break through the shells of prey, and even aquarium glass. This phenomenon, enhanced by cavitation, briefly generates temperatures comparable to the surface of the sun.
In addition to these abilities, mantis shrimps have specialized proteins that can repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, granting them resilience against harsh environments and diseases. This DNA repair mechanism is now of great interest to researchers studying cancer, aging, and even space radiation protection.
The mantis shrimp is living proof that nature’s greatest innovations can arise from the most unexpected places,like the ocean floor. 16 replies
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