Scientists again seek fireflies for research
Scientists are again calling on
the young and old to participate
in a firefly project that helps
researchers in a variety of scientific
experiments.
Organizers for Analytical
Luminescence Lab in Baltimore,
Md., are asking participants to
turn in a particular type of lightning
bug in the name of science – and
cash, which equates to about
$1.40 per 100 bugs. This year’s
price has gone up 2 cents over last
year and participants can earn 35
cents per gram of appropriate
bug, or $10 per ounce.
This is at least the fourth year
researchers have offered to
exchange cash for the bugs In
McMinnville. Organizers have
said in previous years the insects
are used to conduct food safety
tests, are used in molecular biology
and even genetic research
with hopes of finding new treatments
for Alzheimer’s disease
and cancer. Lightning bug material
aids researchers by helping
them tell how successful their
procedures are, organizers note
again this year.
To help, organizers said participants
should catch the bug with
the red head, black back and
yellow tail. Participants should
freeze bugs alive, which preserves
them, and make an ice pack when
delivering them. Not following
those rules could result in rendering
the bug useless for science.
Collections for the 2004 firefly
season begin today at Civic
Center from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
Another collection will be offered
Aug. 5 from 3:15 to 4 p.m. For
more information, contact the
Firefly Project, c/o 122 Emory
Lane, Oak Ridge, Tenn., 37830, or
call 1-888-520-1272, or e-mail at
[email protected].