USF studies sea squirt that could help treat melanoma

• Florida reported more than 42,000 new melanoma cases between 2019 and 2023, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Dive in: The compound is produced by bacteria that live inside an Antarctic sea squirt. USF chemistry professor Bill Baker first discovered its cancer-fighting potential more than 20 years ago.

• Baker directed the expedition from shore while USF diving safety officer Ben Meister and Baker Lab postdoctoral researcher Sam Afoullouss collected samples underwater off the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Researchers collected sea squirts to learn where the bacteria live, how widespread they are and how they produce the compounds linked to melanoma research.

The big picture: The findings may help researchers recreate the compounds in the lab, paving the way for new melanoma treatments.