Star turns

Awadhesh N. Jha, a reader in genetic toxicology at the University of Plymouth, describes how studying the impact of contaminants on the ability of Sea stars of turning themselves the right way up when placed on their backs can also help researchers assess their impact on fragile ecosystems. Awadhesh conducted an integrated study linking genetic damage with behavioral effects without sacrificing the sea stars showed that the greater the genetic damage, the longer it took them to return to their normal position. The study also compared a physiological response such as feeding rate in bivalve mussels. Compared to feeding rate, the sea stars were more sensitive to genetic damage at DNA and chromosomal levels, and showed greater behavioral responses. Establishing the relationship between toxicity and righting behavior, the toxic potential of environmental chemicals in a non-invasive manner can be tested to protect both human and ecosystem health.