Starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis (IMAGE) Marine Biological Laboratory Caption Nematostella has specialized stinging cells on its skin and tentacles that it uses for self-defense and predation. A new study finds that after exposure to common marsh pollutants, Nematostella embryos exhibit severe developmental defects, including decreased body size, missing or misshapen tentacles, and reduced numbers of stinging cells. Credit Marine Biological Laboratory/BioQuest Studios Usage Restrictions Please use with proper credit. License Original 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.