This article originally appeared and was published on AOL.com
The resources that come from our very own coral reefs hold so much potential for medical research. In fact, coral reefs have an incredible bio-diversity — from plants, animals to micro organisms that live on the rocks.
The chemicals that help corals and sponges survive can also help people. Many medicines already derived from coral reefs.
Ara-C is a medicine derived from a compound in a Caribbean reef sponge has been treating the millions of people with leukemia and lymphoma. Halaven is another drug that comes from a seas sponge compound has improved survival among women who have metastatic breast cancer.
Who knows what other vital discoveries are found below?
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