23 January 2013: The new “Science for Environment Policy-Thematic Issue on Biodiversity, Agriculture and Health,” published by the European Commission, features two alerts highlighting how species extinction threatens human well-being.

The Issue discusses the case of cone snails, which are marine mollusks that often inhabit coral reefs and mangroves and are threatened by the rapid degradation and loss of their habitats around the world, and by the impacts of climate change. In Southeast Asia, where more than half of cone snail species are found, around 90 percent of coral reefs are listed as threatened. The update highlights the links between cone snails and human health, noting that one of the toxins isolated from the venom of the cone snail C. magus has been synthetically produced as a drug called ziconotide, which serves as a strong pain-reliever. Another cone snail toxin is being investigated for its ability to prevent brain cell death due to head injuries or strokes.

The Issue also reports that, according to a recent study, undiscovered cancer treatments from marine organisms could be worth between US$563 billion and US$5.69 trillion, and that showing the economic and social value of marine ecosystem services could help with raising awareness and informing management and policy decisions.[Publication: Science for Environment Policy-Thematic Issue 36 on Biodiversity, Agriculture and Health] [Publication: Science for Environment Policy-Thematic Issue 36 on Biodiversity, Agriculture and Health]