For over a decade, scientists have been puzzled by a mysterious disease that has been devastating sea star populations along the Pacific coast, from Mexico to Alaska. The disease, known as sea star wasting disease, has caused a mass die-off, wiping out around 90% of the sunflower sea star population alone.
The illness is as gruesome as it sounds: healthy sea stars with "puffy arms" develop lesions and their limbs literally fall off. According to marine disease ecologist Alyssa Gehman, it's a shocking and tragic sight.
After years of searching, scientists have finally found the culprit. A new study reveals that the disease is caused by a specific type of bacteria that has also been found in shellfish. This discovery answers a major question that has puzzled marine biologists for years.
Early research had a few false starts, with a virus initially suspected to be the cause. However, it turned out that the virus was a normal part of the sea stars' biology and wasn't actually causing the illness. The new findings are a huge breakthrough, as they provide a clear target for future research and conservation efforts to help these crucial ocean creatures recover.