Scientists have identified the cause of a decade-long sea star wasting disease that killed billions of sea stars along the Pacific coast. A bacteria, Vibrio pectenicida, found in the sea stars' coelomic fluid, is the culprit. The discovery, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, ends years of investigation with false leads. The die-off devastated numerous species, particularly sunflower sea stars, impacting the Pacific ecosystem by allowing sea urchin populations to explode and decimate kelp forests. Researchers now hope to use this knowledge to restore sea star populations and the vital kelp forests they help maintain.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.