Short Wave Harnessing Spineless Sea Creatures' Superpowers
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Apr 28, 2025 
Drew Harvell, a marine biologist and author of *The Ocean's Menagerie*, dives into the mystical world of spineless sea creatures. She highlights the incredible superpowers of marine invertebrates, like sponges' unique role in cancer research. Harvell also discusses the vibrant nudibranchs, their stunning defense mechanisms, and the critical need for ocean conservation. The astonishing adaptability and ecological significance of these ancient creatures not only inspire scientific advancements but also remind us of the complex beauty beneath the waves.
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Invertebrates Drive Ocean Function
- Marine invertebrates are the functional backbone of ocean ecosystems despite having no backbones themselves.
- They include over 34 groups from sponges to octopus, thriving in all ocean zones.
Marine Invertebrates’ Superpowers
- Some marine invertebrates possess biological superpowers like photosynthesis and regeneration.
- These abilities challenge our concept of what animals can do and inspire science and medicine.
Sponges’ Cancer-Fighting Chemistry
- Sponges harbor bacteria that produce chemicals now used in clinical cancer trials.
- A bright green sponge hosts bacteria making a compound tested against melanoma and pancreatic cancers.
