The Brief

A decade-long mystery is solved: Researchers from the University of Washington and Cornell University have identified the bacterium Vibrio pectinis as the cause of Sea Star Wasting Disease.

A major ecological event: The disease has killed more than 5 billion sea stars since 2013, including the critically endangered sunflower star, leading to an explosion in sea urchin populations and the destruction of kelp forests.

Hope for recovery: With the pathogen now identified, scientists can focus on developing strategies for a captive breeding program and exploring immune responses to help restore the sea star population.

SEATTLE - A team of researchers, including some scientists from the University of Washington, has identified the bacteria responsible for a disease that has

See Full Page