Latest Pisaster Stories

Scientists have discovered that one species of starfish has a remarkable strategy to avoid overheating in the sun, BBC News reported.Experts say the ochre starfish or sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) pumps itself up with cold seawater to lower its body temperature when exposed to the sun at low tide, something scientists say is equivalent to a person drinking seven liters of water before heading into the midday sun.But the researchers warn that global climate change may drastically interfere...

Canadian zoologists have determined elevated water temperatures and high carbon dioxide concentrations can boost the growth of a species of sea star. The University of British Columbia scientists said their study is one of the first to look at the impact of ocean acidification on marine invertebrates that don't have a large calcified skeleton or external shell. The researchers said their findings challenge current assumptions about the potential impact of climate change on marine species....

New research by UBC zoologists indicates that elevated water temperatures and heightened concentrations of carbon dioxide can dramatically increase the growth rate of a keystone species of sea star.The study is one of the first to look at the impact of ocean acidification on marine invertebrates that don't have a large calcified skeleton or external shell, and challenges current assumptions about the potential impact of climate change on marine species.The findings were published online this...