Starfish Is the Star of New Inflammatory Research

The slimy goo that covers spiny starfish is being studied as a possible cure for conditions like asthma, hay fever, and arthritis, according to a report featured by the BBC. This video, featured on the site goes into more detail highlighting the work of Dr. Charlie Bavington.

The goo is being examined to prevent white blood cells from building up and sticking to the walls of blood vessels, consequently causing tissue damage as in inflammatory conditions.

“The idea is that a treatment based on starfish slime could effectively coat our blood vessels in the same way the goo covers the marine creature, and prevent this problem,” according to a quote by Bavington, featured in the article. Bavington continues, “These cells have to stick from a flowing medium to a blood vessel wall, so we thought we could learn something from how starfish prevent this so we could find a way to prevent this in humans.”