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New research suggests Saharan dust is key to the formation of Bahamas' Great Bank

Researchers from the University of Miami found that iron-rich Saharan dust provides nutrients for specialized bacteria producing carbonate-based foundation. The study suggests that high concentrations of iron-rich dust blown across the Atlantic Ocean are responsible for the formation of the Great Bahama Bank.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeology·DateJul 24, 2014

Team models photosynthesis and finds room for improvement

A team of researchers used a computer model to simulate the effects of adding genes from cyanobacteria on photosynthetic efficiency in crops. They found that certain genes enhanced, while others hindered photosynthesis. The study suggests potential for a 60% increase in efficiency and a 40% boost in yields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateMar 3, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Tricking algae's biological clock boosts production of drugs, biofuels

Researchers have found that manipulating cyanobacteria's clock genes can increase its production of commercially valuable biomolecules. The study discovered that locking the biological clock into a daytime setting increased the amount of biomolecules produced by up to 700 percent.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 7, 2013

Floods didn't provide nitrogen 'fix' for earliest crops in frigid North

The study found that cyanobacteria in floodplains fixed a significant amount of nitrogen, making it available for plants, unlike previously assumed. This discovery could lead to more accurate models and potentially reduce fertilizer use by utilizing naturally occurring cyanobacteria in soils worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2013

Creating plants that make their own fertilizer

Researchers aim to miniaturize and automate nitrogen fixation, making it available only when needed. By placing the apparatus in plant cells, they hope to reduce energy requirements and environmental problems associated with current methods.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 22, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A stepping-stone for oxygen on Earth

Researchers found evidence of an early manganese-oxidizing photosystem in ancient South African marine sedimentary rocks, which predates the evolution of oxygenic cyanobacteria. This discovery supports the idea that manganese oxidation provided a stepping-stone for water-oxidizing photosynthesis.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2013

Engineered microbes grow in the dark

Scientists at the University of California, Davis have successfully engineered a strain of photosynthetic cyanobacteria to grow without light. This breakthrough allows for cost-effective and controllable biofuel production in diurnal conditions.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 19, 2013

Great Oxidation Event: More oxygen through multicellularity

Multicellular cyanobacteria developed over 2.3 billion years ago, coinciding with the Great Oxidation Event that increased atmospheric oxygen levels. This event is considered a significant climate shift, as multicellularity allowed for more efficient metabolism and paved the way for diverse life forms.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2013

Engineered bacteria make fuel from sunlight

Researchers engineered blue-green algae to grow chemical precursors for fuels and plastics, a step towards replacing fossil fuels. The U.S. Department of Energy aims to obtain a quarter of industrial chemicals from biological processes by 2025.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

ASU scientists bring the heat to refine renewable biofuel production

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel method that utilizes heat to enhance the yield and reduce costs of high-energy biofuels production. This breakthrough could pave the way for more widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, as the new process is more efficient and cost-effective than previous methods.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Biotechnology·DateSep 27, 2012

Unusual symbiosis discovered in marine microorganisms

Researchers found a unique partnership between tiny algae and specialized bacteria that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, supporting the oceans' fertilization and contributing to global carbon cycles. The discovery provides insights into an early stage in photosynthesis evolution, analogous to chloroplasts in plants.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2012

Global warming harms lakes

Research by the University of Zurich reveals that global warming is compromising successful lake clean-ups by reducing water turnover and promoting harmful algal blooms. The warmer temperatures are particularly affecting large lakes in Central Europe, where overfertilization has led to cyanobacteria growth.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 16, 2012

Global warming favors proliferation of toxic cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria populations are increasing globally due to global warming, producing more toxins that harm humans and the environment. In Spain, toxic cyanobacteria blooms in wetlands have been linked to high mortality rates among wildlife and potential human health risks.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalWater Research·DateJul 3, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Biological switch paves way for improved biofuel production

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have identified a biological mechanism controlling electron transport in cyanobacteria, which could lead to more efficient solar-powered biofuel production. The discovery was made by exposing cells to different light conditions and observing the changes in electron transport pathways.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2012

Nuisance seaweed found to produce compounds with biomedical potential

A Scripps-led study reveals that the nuisance seaweed Leptolyngbya crossbyana produces honaucins with potent anti-inflammation and bacteria-controlling properties. These compounds could one day treat chronic inflammatory conditions, bacterial infections, acne, and other skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateMay 24, 2012

Olivucci models potential of toxic algae photoreceptors

Using computer simulations at the Ohio Supercomputer Center, researchers aim to engineer cyanobacteria to thrive in diverse illumination conditions. By understanding light sensing and harvesting in Anabaena sensory rhodopsin bacteria, they hope to develop new properties for alternative energy via microbial conversion of light energy.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2012

WHOI's John Waterbury receives NAS Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal

John Waterbury, a WHOI scientist emeritus, has been awarded the NAS Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal for his path-breaking discovery and characterization of ecologically important marine microorganisms. This achievement marked major advances in understanding marine food webs and nutrient cycling in ocean ecosystems.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateJan 24, 2012
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

RUB researchers decipher the molecular basis of blue-green algae

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have successfully removed a molecular switch in cyanobacteria that prevents premature breakdown of energy reserves. This allows for the use of excess energy for biotechnological purposes, such as hydrogen production.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 31, 2011

Bacteria on old-growth trees may help forests grow

A new study reveals that bacteria living in mosses on tree branches contribute to nutrient dynamics, sustaining the long-term productivity of coastal temperate rainforests. Large, ancient trees provide habitat for mosses and cyanobacteria, which fix nitrogen and fertilize the forest.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPlant and Soil·DateJun 7, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Bacteria living on old-growth trees

Researchers discover that bacteria associated with mosses on tree branches are essential for nutrient dynamics, enabling the long-term productivity of coastal temperate rainforests. The study highlights the importance of preserving large old-growth trees to maintain these forests' health.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPlant and Soil·DateFeb 23, 2011

'Hot-bunking' bacterium recycles iron to boost ocean metabolism

A marine bacterium uses a biochemical trick to recycle iron, conserving precious metal for photosynthesis and nitrogen production. This strategy, called 'hot bunking,' allows the organism to thrive in iron-poor waters, increasing ocean productivity.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2011

Eutrophication makes toxic cyanobacteria more toxic

Research from the University of Gothenburg reveals that cyanobacteria like Nodularia spumigena become more toxic when facing eutrophication conditions, producing hepatotoxin nodularin. This toxin attacks the liver, posing a risk to humans and livestock consuming contaminated water.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalHarmful Algae·DateDec 6, 2010
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Mystery dissolves with calcium pump discovery

Researchers from Arizona State University have discovered a calcium-driven pump mechanism in endolithic cyanobacteria, which dissolves carbonate substrates. This finding has implications for coral reefs and mussel aquaculture, addressing a long-standing geochemical paradox.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2010

If the water looks and smells bad, it may be toxic

A USGS study found that taste-and-odor compounds are commonly associated with cyanotoxin presence, highlighting the need for increased surveillance and public alert systems. Cyanotoxins can be poisonous to people, aquatic life, pets, and livestock, causing symptoms like skin rashes, stomach upset, seizures, or death.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 13, 2010

Microbes reprogrammed to ooze oil for renewable biofuel

Researchers at Arizona State University have successfully engineered photosynthetic cyanobacteria to secrete fatty acids, which can be converted into oil for use as a renewable biofuel. This breakthrough could significantly increase the energy yield of biofuels while minimizing environmental impact.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2010

Bacteria divide like clockwork

Researchers have discovered how cyanobacteria's rate of cell division is regulated by the same circadian clocks that control human sleep patterns. The study found that cells divide once per day at specific points in the 24-hour cycle, with implications for understanding cellular renewal and cancer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 18, 2010
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Self-destructing bacteria improve renewable biofuel production

A team of researchers from Arizona State University has developed a process that removes a key obstacle to producing lower-cost, renewable biofuels. The team has programmed a photosynthetic microbe to self-destruct, making the recovery of high-energy fats and their biofuel byproducts easier and potentially less costly.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2009

At the fungal farmer's market, only the best cyanobacteria are for sale

Researchers find novel cyanobacterial lineage in lichens, with implications for ecosystem research and the study of symbiotic relationships. The discovery suggests that photobionts are selected based on their compatibility with mycobionts, leading to an increase in certain strains.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateAug 21, 2009

Mysterious microbe may play important role in ocean ecology

A new microbe, discovered in the open ocean, lacks genes needed for photosynthesis, yet provides natural fertilizer to the oceans by fixing nitrogen. Its unique metabolism may have implications for understanding carbon and nitrogen cycles in ocean ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateNov 13, 2008
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Are microbes the answer to the energy crisis?

Researchers are discovering microbes that can efficiently produce inexpensive, environmentally friendly biofuels as alternatives to oil. These microorganisms can ferment biomass into ethanol and biodiesel, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 4, 2008

New source for biofuels discovered

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new source for biofuels in cyanobacteria, which can be grown on non-agricultural lands using salty water. The microbe produces cellulose and sugars that can be converted into ethanol, offering a potential alternative to traditional sources such as corn and sugarcane.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCellulose·DateApr 23, 2008

Harmful algae taking advantage of global warming

Cyanobacteria blooms are becoming more frequent and widespread due to global warming, posing a threat to human health and water ecosystems. The algae can cause digestive, neurological, and skin diseases in humans, and deplete oxygen in water reservoirs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2008

Project focuses on production of hydrogen from bacteria and sunlight

Researchers at Arizona State University aim to create an environmentally friendly energy source by harnessing the power of sunlight and bacteria to produce hydrogen. The project uses microbial photosynthesis to generate hydrogen, which can be converted into a clean fuel without releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 14, 2008
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Bioclocks work by controlling chromosome coiling

Researchers found that biological clocks influence gene activity by controlling chromosome coiling in cyanobacteria, suggesting a universal theme for higher organisms. The study provides direct evidence of the regulatory mechanism, which could explain why some genes are active during the day and night.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2007

Surf's up -- and one coastal microbe has adapted

Scientists have discovered a common coastal strain of cyanobacteria that thrives in choppy, polluted waters. The study found that this strain has evolved unique metal-processing biology missing in its open-ocean relative, enabling it to absorb and process essential metals.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2006

Hot-spring bacteria flip a metabolic switch

Researchers discovered that single-celled cyanobacterium Synechococcus fixes nitrogen gas at night, converting it into biologically useful compounds. This finding sheds light on how hot-spring microbial communities obtain essential nutrients, and highlights the complex metabolic strategies of these microorganisms.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2006

Natural compound from 'pond scum' shows potential activity against Alzheimer's

A newly isolated compound, nostocarboline, has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of cholinesterase, a brain chemical linked to Alzheimer's disease progression. Its potency is comparable to an existing cholinesterase inhibitor, and it holds promise as a potential treatment for mild to moderate forms of the disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateDec 27, 2005
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Scientists find viruses can't stick to sea bugs in the dark

Researchers found that marine viruses, known as cyanophages, require light to attach to and infect cyanobacteria, which are crucial for ocean health. This discovery could lead to more effective methods of controlling harmful algal blooms in the environment.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateApr 3, 2005

Family trees of ancient bacteria reveal evolutionary moves

Researchers have uncovered a new hypothesis on the origins of cyanobacteria, which gave rise to chloroplasts in plant cells. The study suggests these bacteria first emerged in freshwater systems and gradually adapted to brackish and marine environments over time.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateFeb 8, 2005
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Genomes of tiny microbes yield clues to global climate change

Scientists have sequenced the genomes of four types of cyanobacteria, including Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, which play a critical role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide. The completed genome sequences provide insights into how these single-celled organisms convert solar energy into living biomass.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2003

Life in a greenhouse world

Scientists propose that a shift from carbon dioxide to methane in the greenhouse world may have triggered the emergence of complex life forms. Methane, which takes less energy to maintain than carbon dioxide, led to a drop in CO2 levels and the rise of oxygenic photosynthesis.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 25, 2002

Evolution upset: Oxygen-making microbes came last, not first

Researchers propose that Oxygen-making microbes came later, around 100 million years after the emergence of Sulfur-loving bacteria. This revised evolutionary history may explain the lack of cyanobacteria fossils in ancient iron formations and resolve biochemical contradictions.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 25, 2002
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Survival tactics in bacteria - environmental conditions fit for mankind

Researchers found a new protein supercomplex linking PSI and PSII in cyanobacteria, increasing light harvesting ability by 72%. This adaptation enables oxygen production even in low iron conditions, with significant global environmental implications. The discovery suggests an evolutionary link between the two photosynthetic complexes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateAug 15, 2001