For the first time, scientists have cryopreserved and revived the larvae of a sea star species. The breakthrough, made with the giant pink star, gives hope the technique could be repeated to save the imperiled predator
The planet got a little help
A Deadly Pathogen Decimated Sunflower Sea Stars. Look Inside the Lab Working to Bring Them Back by Freezing and Thawing Their Larvae
California, United States
Why it matters: the successful cryopreservation and revival of sunflower sea star larvae offers a promising path to restoring this critical predator and reviving the delicate kelp forest ecosystems it supports.
Brightcast Impact Score (BIS)
75/100•Groundbreaking
This article highlights the promising work being done by scientists to cryopreserve and revive the larvae of the sunflower sea star, a species that has been decimated by a deadly pathogen. The breakthrough gives hope that this technique could be used to save the imperiled predator. The article provides details on the scientific work being done in the lab, which is a constructive solution to a serious environmental problem. While the initial situation is described as dire, the overall tone is one of progress and optimism.
Hope Impact25/33
Emotional uplift and inspirational potential
Reach Scale25/33
Potential audience impact and shareability
Verification25/33
Source credibility and content accuracy
Significant positive development
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