Tiny Antarctic sea creature could be key to treating melanoma, researchers say

Underwater expedition by Florida-based team supports possible therapeutic use of bacterial toxins from sea squirts

Published 29 June 2026 268 words
SCIENCE B1
Tiny Antarctic sea creature could be key to treating melanoma, researchers say

Scientists have found that a small sea animal from Antarctica might help treat melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer. Researchers from the University of South Florida (USF) have been studying these creatures, called sea squirts, in the very cold waters of Antarctica.

The team collected samples of sea squirts, which are small animals that live underwater. These animals produce toxins, which are poisonous substances, to protect themselves from other creatures. Scientists believe these toxins could potentially be used as medicine.

Early research has shown that these toxins were able to kill melanoma cells in mice. The good news is that the toxins did not harm the mice themselves. This suggests that the toxins have the ability to act like a drug and fight cancer.

Developing a new drug for humans is a long process. It involves many steps and strict tests to ensure it is safe and works well. However, the knowledge gained from this expedition to Antarctica could help speed up this process.

The expedition faced many challenges, including icy conditions and limited visibility underwater. The scientists had to plan their dives carefully to stay safe while collecting samples. Now, the work will continue in laboratories to develop the toxins into a possible treatment.

Vocabulary

treat — to try to cure an illness or injury
melanoma — a serious type of skin cancer
researchers — people who study a subject in order to find new information
toxins — poisonous substances, often produced by living organisms
samples — small amounts of a substance taken to show what the whole is like
potential — possible or likely to happen in the future
drug — a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body
expedition — a journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially exploration or research

Discussion Questions

  1. What kind of cancer are researchers hoping to treat with substances from sea squirts?
  2. What challenges did the researchers face during their expedition in Antarctica?
  3. Why is it important for scientists to find new ways to make the toxin in a laboratory?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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