Marine pathogens

Sea urchin research at Tel Aviv University. Photo by Shahaf Ben Ezra

Pathogens, storms and extreme temperatures: the causes of mass sea urchin deaths

  • No comments
A pair of studies from Tel Aviv University map 110 mass mortality events of sea urchins since 1888 and show that pathogens are the main cause, while also presenting a "corona swab" method for non-invasive genetic sampling under the skin.
The sea urchin Diadema setosum before (left) and after (right) mortality. The white skeleton is exposed after the tissue is loosened and the spines fall off

The global sea urchin population is in real danger for its continued existence

The plague that destroyed the sea urchins in Eilat has spread to the Indian Ocean and threatens to destroy sea urchin populations all over the world
Science website logo
SEARCH