Deep-Water Marine Sponge (IMAGE)

Florida Atlantic University

Deep-Water Marine Sponge

Caption

Sea sponges are an ancient group of animals that appeared more than 600 million years ago that have many of the same genes as humans. These scientists are taking advantage of this similarity in human and sponge genomes to isolate marine natural compounds from these organisms to develop medicines useful in the treatment of human diseases such as cancer.

Credit

Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Usage Restrictions

Credit: Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.