Sea Lion Seizures May Result From Toxic Algae

With algal blooms on the rise in their habitat, sea lions in California are developing seizures and abnormal behavior, a new study of lab rodents shows.

The symptoms can result from low-dose fetal exposure to domoic acid, a naturally produced neurotoxin in algae that becomes concentrated in the sea lions' food supply, researchers say.

A new study follows an analysis earlier this year revealing that the symptoms comprise a new sea lion disease.

Domoic acid concentrations rise at times due to natural, climactic factors, the authors point out. But other human-made chemicals may be making the sea lions more susceptible.

"This is probably just the beginning to understand how not just a single chemical, but a complex mix of chemicals we start life with can leave us vulnerable to disease later in life," said study co-author John Ramsdell, a physiologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)...