At her Stars from the sea They are known for their kind appearance and peaceful life. But not all follow this pattern. At her stars of sea (ACANTHASTER PLANCIThat)known as Heather In English, they are Famine predatorsable to knead and devour miles of corals in a few months.
Now, a new study of communication between these marine destroyers, published in the magazine IscianIt can help biologists save helpless corals from the cracking sidewalk.
Researchers at the University of Costa Sol, Australia and the Institute of Science and Technology of Okinawa (Oist) in Japan, found that this starfish use its thorns body armor to capture Chemical messages sent by members. This invisible communication network acts as a “Mental Control” Collective, allowing animals without brain and blood to be connected, move and act together.
“Through genomic and proteomic analysis, we find that cradle thorns are used to detect and segregate a wide range of peptides, not just defensive toxins,” said Professor Noriyuki Satoh, head of the Marine Genomic Unit Oist in a statement.
The spines of these stars of sea serve as antennas
The team of scientists extracted these peptides and introduced them to a tank full of water and handkerchief stars. When detecting the chemical signal, they became more active and moved in several directions.
Researchers then hypothesized that movement patterns are activated by these molecules, such as Signs of smoke in the water. After a detailed examination of peptides, the team also found that these compounds did not participate in the immune system and were not the result of another physical action of the animals.
The message wearing these peptides could not be defined. But the team managed, through genetic analysis, to define These molecules are actively produced and regulated by thornsto “Natural Antennas” Cots.
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Scientists “controlled the mind” of starfish
The discovery offers a new tool for biologists to control the propagation of cots. Before, the only solution for the outbreaks of these animals was to eliminate them one by one until the coral was clean, a difficult job, as these beings are covered with thorns and move quickly.
Based on the new study, researchers were synthesized a non -toxic protein that can attract these stars from the sea. This mixture, called attractive Acanthaster, He was tested in the water tank and caused the animals to meet in one place.
“With these attractions, we hope to contribute to the development of an efficient and safe measure against the outbreaks of cradles,” said Satoh.
The new research marks the beginning of a possible strategy to combat the stars of the stars. With the advancement of studies, scientists expect to develop more accurate ways to use this protein in the control of brackets, which will be an important step in the struggle to save coral reefs from these voracious predators.
