Scientists tested a special protein from yeast to see if it could help sea cucumbers stay healthy and grow better. They found that this yeast protein can kill harmful bacteria that make sea cucumbers sick. When sea cucumbers ate food with this yeast protein added, their immune systems got stronger, they grew faster, and more of them survived when exposed to dangerous bacteria. The protein works by damaging the bacteria’s outer shell and helping the sea cucumbers’ natural defenses work better.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding yeast protein to sea cucumber food could help them fight off bacterial infections and grow better
  • Who participated: Sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) in controlled feeding experiments, though the exact number wasn’t specified
  • Key finding: Sea cucumbers that ate yeast protein had a 53% survival rate when exposed to harmful bacteria, compared to lower rates in untreated groups
  • What it means for you: This research is specific to sea cucumber farming and doesn’t directly apply to human health or nutrition