Oil drilling may help biomedical research

WASHINGTON, July 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service says it has identified three marine organisms that may be useful in biomedical research.

The government agency says University of California-Santa Barbara researchers studied marine organisms collected from offshore oil and gas platforms in California's Santa Barbara Channel.

The scientists found two invertebrate species that contain compounds that inhibit the division of cancer cells grown in the laboratory. Additionally, a compound isolated from algae collected from oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico has been shown to block cell division and enhance the activity of the cancer drug Taxol.

"This research is an exciting advancement in our understanding of how marine life may hold a key to unlocking treatments to improve our health," said Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett. "Like the rainforest, our oceans may contain untold biological components that may one day help us in the fight against some of society's most challenging diseases."

Officials said the discoveries are the result of a research initiative between the MMS and UCSB involving marine organisms growing on offshore oil and gas structures along California's coast.

The research findings are to be submitted for publication in scientific journals.