Breakdown of Mote's red tide findings

Among the results:

* The discovery that K. brevis has at least 12 different toxins that can be harmful to humans. The study found that each of the toxins has very subtle differences that can have very big differences in how humans react to them. * The characterization of these toxins — the identification of everything from their size and their chemical makeup to their complete pharmacology. * The development of new air, water and seafood tests for these toxins. * Scientific proof that these toxins become airborne, can be inhaled by humans and that they can travel up to a mile inland, away from the beaches and the wind and wave action that propels them into the air. * Scientific proof that people with compromised lung function — like asthmatics — who inhale these toxins suffer more and have longer-term impacts than people who don’t suffer from breathing problems — even after just one hour of exposure to the toxins. * The discovery of how these toxins affect humans at the molecular level. * Research showing that commonly used asthma medications can both prevent and treat the effects of Florida red tide in asthmatics. * The discovery that K. brevis also has antitoxins — at least three of them. One of these antitoxins is currently being used to develop a new drug (called Brevenal) that will be used to treat cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the effects of Florida red tide exposure and even Ciguatera fish poisoning. The laboratory research has concluded and researchers are seeking a pharmaceutical partner that can help bring the drug to the marketplace. Initial research shows that Brevenal is 1 million times more effective at treating cystic fibrosis than current drugs. * The discovery that these antitoxins target molecular receptors previously unknown to science. This knowledge could pave the way for even more drug therapies for human ailments. * Changes in public health messages related to beach going during Florida red tides. Health experts now suggest that people with respiratory problems like COPD and asthma find alternate activities to visiting beaches during red tides. The message is especially important for people with poorly controlled asthma. * Public information campaigns about Florida red tide and other harmful algal blooms including “Breathe Easy During Florida Red Tide,” which included beach signage and other resources; a 24/7 Aquatic Toxins hotline (in Spanish and English) through the Florida Poison Information Center and a new Web site through the Florida Department of Health Aquatic Toxins program. * A new Beach Conditions Report (www.mote.org/beaches) that provides real-time updates on beach conditions and an independent source for information about whether red tide is affecting 33 beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast. * More than 80 peer-reviewed scientific publications (view abstracts online at www.mote.org/niehsstudy). * More than 400 presentations made to the public and the scientific community.

This story was originally published March 25, 2011 at 10:11 AM with the headline "Breakdown of Mote's red tide findings."