Nematostella vectensis sea anemones in the lab. Credit: Taliya Finkel-Moran Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown way that sea anemones defend themselves against viruses, revealing that the evolution of animal immune systems may be far more diverse than previously believed. The newly identified defense relies on a protein that closely resembles one of the most important antiviral proteins in humans, yet performs the opposite function while still being essential for protecting the