Reefs along the Florida Straits may lead potential cures for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimers.

On Monday, the Harbor Branch drug discovery group began a 2-week expedition to explore the Florida Straits in search of organisms that produce chemicals with the potential to cure diseases .

The work will include the first submersible exploration of the remote Cay Sal Bank, which encompasses a number of small, uninhabited islands 30 miles north of Cuba. Researchers expect to discover pristine reefs that could lead to a new reputation for the area as the source of lifesaving drugs.

Regular dispatches and photos from the expedition will be posted here.