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A friendly Hand

A friendly Hand Elizabeth Demaray, an assistant professor of art at the Rutger's University, New York has taken the help of paleontologists to design plastic shells for hermit crabs. The new forms have been tailored for various body sizes. The new homes offer an internal flange attached to the front opening for the crab to clutch with its holding claw. Similar to the hood-like structure found in a traditional shell, Demaray's shells offers an overhang for additional protection in situations where the body must be extended outside. The houses are tinted beige, which affords the crab maximum camouflage on the beaches of North America. The colour can, however, be visually matched to a specific population's native environment.

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