CenSorE

Dona Paula: Indian scientists are hoping to discover once and for all if seahorses are an aphrodisiac, a myth that has made the creatures an endangered species. Seahorses have been eaten for more than 2,000 years and, as well as being a traditional way of improving sex-drive, are also thought to help respiratory problems. The National Institute of Oceanography in Goa is teaming up with the National Centre for Cell Sciences to try to unravel the mysteries of the unusual fish. Seahorses range in size from 16 mm to 35 cm and are notable for being the only species in which males become “pregnant”. Raidurga Sreepada, a leading scientist at the NIO, said confirming the properties of one of world’s most complex living creatures will not only help the pharmaceutical sector but also help stamp out rampant poaching. Scientists say that once they establish seahorses’ properties, fishing communities and even poachers will be encouraged to set up hatcheries instead of taking them from the wild. “Th...