Core Insights - A mysterious disease known as "sea star wasting disease" has been decimating sea star populations in the Pacific since 2013, leading to significant ecological consequences [2][3] - The disease has caused a drastic reduction in sea star numbers, resulting in an explosion of their predators, sea urchins, which in turn devastate kelp forests and disrupt the marine ecosystem [2] Group 1: Disease Impact - The disease manifests as white lesions and decaying limbs in sea stars, leading to their eventual death, which has affected populations from Mexico to Alaska [2] - The decline of sea stars has triggered a chain reaction, with sea urchin populations surging and causing the destruction of kelp forests, critical habitats for various marine species [2] Group 2: Scientific Research - Scientists have conducted over a decade of research to identify the cause of the disease, facing challenges due to the absence of visible pathogens in infected sea stars [3] - Recent breakthroughs by researchers from the University of British Columbia have linked the disease to a non-viral pathogen, specifically identifying the bacterium "Vibrio pectenicida" as the causative agent [3] - This discovery paves the way for developing diagnostic methods to monitor and manage disease outbreaks in wild populations, as well as strategies for restoring affected marine ecosystems [3]