Scientists to recreate snail scent to scare starfish from Great Barrier Reef

The Guardian/AAP:

Australian scientists are hoping to recreate the smell of an oversized sea snail after discovering its scent strikes terror into the hearts of crown-of-thorns starfish.

If researchers can synthesise the smell of the giant triton it could one day be used to help control movements of the starfish, which pose a major threat to the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

Footage of lab studies show crown-of-thorns have a violent reaction when exposed to water the snails have been in. They immediately become agitated and try to scuttle away on their stumpy legs.

Read the full story here.

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