Scientists have finally pinpointed the bacterium causing a deadly wasting disease that has decimated sunflower sea star populations worldwide, with a staggering 90% decline over the past decade. The culprit is a strain of Vibrio pectenicida, offering hope that targeted solutions can now be developed to curb the epidemic.

Editor’s Note: This discovery is a big deal because sunflower sea stars play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems, particularly in keeping kelp forests healthy by preying on sea urchins. With their populations nearly wiped out, entire marine habitats are at risk. Identifying the bacterium is the first step toward reversing the damage—think of it like finally knowing the enemy in a long, devastating war.