Short Wave Searching The Ocean's Depths For Future Medicines
Aug 24, 2022
Underwater chemist Sam Afoullouss, who researches the marine life off Ireland's west coast, dives deep into the ocean's treasures. He discusses how creatures like giant sponges and dumbo octopuses may hold the key to new medicines. Sam shares fascinating stories about his underwater robot missions and the potential of bubblegum coral in treating malaria. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between drug discovery and protecting fragile ecosystems, revealing the hidden wonders of deep-sea chemistry.
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Deep Sea Exploration
- Sam Afoullouss uses a robot to explore the deep sea off Ireland's coast, observing diverse life like giant sponges and Dumbo octopuses.
- He's not just sightseeing, however, but searching for unique chemicals for drug discovery.
Nature's Medicine Cabinet
- Humans have long used nature for medicinal inspiration, with many remedies originating from indigenous knowledge.
- The deep sea offers a wealth of untapped chemical diversity for potential medicines.
Ziconotide: A Marine Marvel
- Ziconotide, a painkiller a thousand times stronger than morphine without addictive side effects, comes from a tropical sea snail.
- This exemplifies the potential of marine organisms for groundbreaking medicines.