STARFISH

Starfish or sea stars are star-shaped echinoderms belonging to

the class Asteroidea. Starfish are marine invertebrates. They typically have a
central disc and usually five arms, though some species have a larger number
of arms (10). The upper surface may be smooth, granular or spiny, and is
covered with overlapping plates. Many species are brightly coloured in
various shades of red or orange, while others are blue, grey or brown.

STARFISH’S LIQUID

What scientists are finding really interesting is the sticky liquid which starfish
produce when they feel threatened more specifically the spiny starfish’s one
that can be found on the west coast of Scotland

This liquid keeps starfish clear, in fact, while most man-made structures are
placed in the water get caked ( tipo le alghe sulle boe) starfish manage to keep
their surface clear. This liquid contains properties which may be very useful in
treating certain kinds of inflammatory illnesses.

INFLAMMATIONS

Inflammation, is defense mechanism, which constitutes a protective response,

following the harmful action of physical, chemical or biological agents, whose
final goal is the elimination of the initial cause of cell or tissue damage.

THE IDEA

We could use this liquid as coat of our blood vessels in the same way that it
covers the starfish to prevent inflammations instead of medicines with
unwanted side effects.

HOW THE IDEA CAME UP

Doctor Charlie Bavington is the Managing Director of Glycomar, a marine biotechnology company based at
the Scottish Association for Marine Science, in Oban. Thank the access to starfish, he is working with Ava
Paige, professor of Pharmacology.