Biological molecules inspire powerful therapies for the treatment of disease. While plant-based medicines are common, underwater sources are relatively unexplored and represent chemically distinct libraries of biological compounds. Most sea anemones stay rooted to a single location for life, except in rare conditions of starvation or predation. One species of sea anemone, Stomphia coccinea, evolved a swim response to escape a common predator, the starfish Dermasterias imbricata. Scientists isolated the compound that triggers this response (imbricatine) and uncovered its utility as a potent anti-cancer drug. This editorial piece showcases this discovery by re-enacting the hunt that inspired it. A low angle shot heightens the dangerous and dominant appearance of the starfish, a hunter that is typically seen as unthreatening and slow-moving. Imbricatine is depicted in a trail created by the escaping sea anemone, a usually sedentary creature captured in a moment of extreme column flexion.

This piece received an Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) Award of Excellence in the Student Editorial Category.