Diatoms
Articles tagged with Diatoms
When algae stop growing, bacteria start swarming
A new study published in mBio describes the unique relationship between diatoms and a newly identified species of marine bacteria. When diatom growth ceases, the bacteria become aggressive, releasing compounds that damage the algae and then feeding on them. In nutrient-rich environments, the bacteria can overcome the diatom's defenses.
Diatom-based microrobots show promise for targeted photodynamic therapy of glioblastoma
Researchers developed magnetically controlled microrobots made from diatoms to target glioblastoma lesions with photodynamic therapy. The microrobots achieved a significant cytotoxic effect on primary glioblastoma cells and demonstrated good biocompatibility.
Tooling up to diagnose ocean health
A field-deployable CRISPR-based biosensing platform has been developed for rapid, on-site monitoring of marine species and ecosystems, offering a sustainable solution for tracking ocean health. The technology has the potential to detect critical species, predict outbreaks, and support early warning systems for ecosystem disruptions.
Tiny diatoms, big climate impact: How microscopic skeletons rapidly shape ocean chemistry
Researchers discovered that tiny diatom skeletons transform into clay minerals in just 40 days, rapidly shaping ocean chemistry. This process, known as reverse weathering, influences carbon dioxide levels, nutrient recycling, and marine ecosystems.
Baltic diatoms remained genetically stable for millennia – then humans came into play
A recent study found that Baltic diatom populations experienced accelerated genetic changes in response to human activity, but remained stable for millennia. The research team extracted ancient DNA from sediment cores and sequenced the genetic material of two cell organelles to analyze changes over 8,000 years.
The salmon superfood you’ve never heard of
Researchers at Northern Arizona University have discovered a partnership between algae and bacteria that creates a clean-nitrogen machine, turning atmospheric nitrogen into food for river ecosystems. This discovery boosts populations of aquatic insects, which young salmon rely on for growth and survival.
Tiny ocean partnership between algae and bacteria reveals secrets of evolution
Researchers studied a microscopic alliance between algae and cyanobacteria to understand how bacteria lose genes and adapt to increasing host dependence. The study found that the level of integration between the symbionts affects genome size, gene content, and metabolic pathways.
International research team explains how diatoms interact with uranium
Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf discovered how diatoms chemically interact with uranium, finding it bound both on the surface and within the algae. The team's findings provide initial insights into the chemical bonds formed and help understand the impact of uranium release on natural cycles.
New study illuminates how diatoms thrive in — and light up — the Southern Ocean
Researchers have identified diatoms as the dominant microorganisms in a previously mysterious area of the Southern Ocean. The study's findings suggest that diatoms are responsible for the high levels of reflectance observed in satellite images, providing new insights into carbon cycling and ocean biology.
Six decades of data on North Atlantic phytoplankton reveal that their biomass has decreased up to 2% annually across most of the Atlantic Ocean, with potentially widespread implications for the wider food web under climate change
Phytoplankton biomass in the North Atlantic has declined by up to 2% per year over six decades, potentially affecting the entire ocean's ecosystem. This decrease may have significant consequences under climate change.
A borrowed bacterial gene allowed some marine diatoms to live on a seaweed diet
Researchers discovered that certain marine diatom species can thrive on a diet of seaweed and decaying plant matter due to the acquisition of a bacterial gene. This adaptation allowed them to break down alginate, a carbon polymer in seaweed cell walls, enabling the diatoms to survive without photosynthesis.
Pairing old and new technologies could unlock advances in plankton science
The study highlights the potential of novel techniques to collect and analyse plankton data more efficiently, filling knowledge gaps and generating complete pictures of plankton dynamics. However, integrating old and new methods is crucial to ensure accurate assessments of marine biodiversity.
Phytochromes: The “eyes” that enable microalgae to find their way in the depths
Researchers discovered that diatoms possess phytochromes, which enable them to detect changes in the underwater light spectrum and sense their vertical position. This adaptation allows microalgae to adjust their biological activity in response to seasonal changes.
Low stream diatom biodiversity potentially decreasing stream oxygen production in remote islands
Research finds that low stream diatom biodiversity on islands may decrease oxygen production due to reduced biodiversity. This could have implications for freshwater ecosystems and the animals that depend on them. The study examines how island location, age, and distance from continents affect diatom diversity and oxygen levels.
Researchers make breakthrough in understanding species abundance
A team of researchers from the University of Arkansas has made a breakthrough in understanding species abundance by linking it to genome size. The study found that temperature and genome size are key drivers of diatom population growth rates, with body size still playing a role in colder latitudes.
Diatom surprise could rewrite the global carbon cycle
Diatoms, single-celled plankton, build biomass by feeding on organic carbon, challenging the assumption that photosynthesis is their only strategy. The discovery has major implications for understanding the global carbon cycle and could alter estimates of carbon dioxide diatoms pull out of the air.
Study reveals environmental impact of artificial sweeteners
A recent study found that sucralose affects the behavior of cyanobacteria and diatoms in aquatic environments. Sucralose concentrations increased freshwater cyanobacteria population but spiked and crashed brackish cyanobacteria population, while diatom populations decreased across both freshwater and brackish water sites.
Lesotho's Lost Lake sheds light on past and future water security
Researchers extracted sediment cores from a diatomite outcrop in the Lesotho Highlands to reveal a small but persistent shallow lake thriving between 4600 and 100 years ago. The lake's existence was confirmed by rainfall analysis, topographic studies, and microscopic examination of diatoms.
Subduction zone splay faults compound hazards of great earthquakes
Research in the Alaskan-Aleutian subduction zone found evidence of splay fault uplift generating additional tsunami activity in half of last eight earthquakes. Splay faults can create local tsunamis reaching shores in under 30 minutes, exacerbating coastal destruction.
New Rhizobia-diatom symbiosis solves long-standing marine mystery
Scientists find new partnership between diatoms and Rhizobia bacteria in ocean nitrogen fixation, playing a crucial role in sustaining marine productivity. The discovery has exciting implications for agriculture, particularly for breeding crops that can thrive without fertilizers.
UT researchers investigate how freshwater diatoms stay in the light
Diatoms, a vital component of lake ecosystems, are facing declining ice cover due to warming temperatures. Researchers studied winter blooms in Lake Erie and found that some diatom species can form 'diatom ice cubes' that float to the surface and absorb light for photosynthesis.
Characterizing salps as predators of marine microbes
Salps are found to control microbial community structure and function by capturing a variety of microbe types, including Prochlorococcus. The study reveals that simple mechanical principles do not explain cell capture by salps, indicating a complex mechanism at play.
Role of microhabitats in shaping diversity of periphytic diatom assemblages
Researchers study microhabitats in Lake Tisza and find that diverse macrovegetation supports unique microhabitat diversity for benthic diatoms. Water management planning is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in multipurpose lakes.
A symbiosis in the open ocean
Researchers discovered a symbiotic relationship between diatom Hemiaulus hauckii and cyanobacterium Richelia euintracellularis, with the diatom supplying reduced organic compounds to support nitrogen fixation. The study found that proteins from the endosymbiont play a crucial role in molecule transport across cell membranes.
Phenomenal phytoplankton: Scientists uncover cellular process behind oxygen production
Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown process in marine phytoplankton that accounts for between 7% to 25% of all oxygen produced and carbon fixed in the ocean. This discovery sheds light on how tiny organisms contribute to global oxygen production, with potential implications for our understanding of evolution.
Biological specimens imaged with X-rays without damage
A team of scientists at DESY has developed a new technique using X-rays to image biological specimens without damaging them. The method, which generates high-resolution images at nanometre resolution, could be used for applications such as imaging whole unsectioned cells or tracking nanoparticles within a cell.
Diatoms provide an attractive habitat for bacteria
A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.
Glass-like shells of diatoms help turn light into energy in dim conditions
Researchers studied diatom shells to understand how they perform photosynthesis in low-light conditions. They found that the frustule can contribute a 9.83% boost to photosynthesis, especially during transitions from high to low sunlight.
Path to the brown coloration of diatoms discovered
Diatoms have a complex pathway to produce the brown pigment fucoxanthin, which enables efficient light harvesting during photosynthesis. The discovery provides new insights into the synthesis of this important pigment, with potential applications in biotechnology and ecology.
Study finds diatoms with a surprising appetite for nitrate
Diatoms in aquatic ecosystems have a previously unknown ability to store and use nitrate as a nutrient. They can replace oxygen with nitrate, allowing them to thrive in deep sediments and at night.
Animal role in algae fertilization identified
Researchers found that a species of red seaweed uses an isopod crustacean to transfer its male gametes for fertilization, presenting a new class of animal-mediated male gamete movement. This discovery expands the concept of 'pollination' beyond seed plants.
Decline of diatoms due to ocean acidification
Diatoms, responsible for 40% of ocean plant biomass production, are declining due to ocean acidification. This decline can lead to nutrient scarcity in surface waters and disrupt marine food webs. Global simulations predict a loss of up to 27% silica in surface waters by 2200.
Study of algae in Acadia National Park lakes shows recovery from acidification
Researchers in Acadia National Park found that regulations reducing atmospheric sulfur have led to a partial recovery of algae ecosystems, despite ongoing climate change impacts. Clear-water lakes like Jordan Pond are more sensitive to warming than brown-water lakes like Seal Cove Pond, leading to slower recovery rates.
New species of marine plankton discovered, an overlooked source of nutrients in the oceans
Researchers have discovered two new and unusual species of diatoms that fix nitrogen, a critical process supporting productivity in nutrient-poor open ocean waters. These diatoms harbor symbiotic cyanobacteria that convert dissolved nitrogen gas into ammonia, enabling them to thrive in nutrient-poor conditions.
University of Guam researcher discovers new diatom species in Micronesia
A University of Guam professor emeritus has discovered a new species of diatom, Licmophora complanata, that produces an estimated one-fifth of the oxygen in the air we breathe. The discovery was made using advanced microscopy techniques and builds on previous finds by UOG students.
Ocean microbes team up brilliantly to gather food when it's scarce
In low-nutrient environments, marine microbes form consortia with ciliates to capture nutrients. This cooperative solution increases nutrient flux to the diatom's cell surface up to 10 times greater than alone. Researchers used PIV technology to measure fluid flows and found a more favorable solution for low-mixing conditions.
Diatom preservation and abundance
A recent study found that changes in marine fossilization conditions led to a significant increase in diatom abundance during the Cenozoic Era. The researchers built a model of sedimentation rate and ocean temperature on biogenic silica burial efficiency, revealing improved preservation conditions around 5-20 million years ago.
Papers explore massive plankton blooms with very different ecosystem impacts
Two new papers investigate massive plankton blooms with vastly different potential impacts on ecosystems. The studies reveal unexpected productivity hotspots in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, fueled by Gulf Stream water upwelling, and a huge bloom of Phaeocystis pouchetii on the New England continental shelf.
Fungus creates a fast track for carbon
Researchers discovered that fungus creates an underappreciated express lane for carbon, diverting up to 20% of fixed carbon from the microbial loop. This finding has implications for climate change mitigation and management of industrial and recreational settings dealing with harmful algal blooms.
Oceans' microscopic plants -- diatoms -- capture carbon dioxide via biophysical pathways
A new study reveals diatoms primarily use one pathway to concentrate CO2, continuing to operate at higher CO2 concentrations. The team found that marine diatoms are highly efficient in fixing atmospheric CO2, fixing nearly one-fifth of the global carbon fixation on earth.
Sweet marine particles resist hungry bacteria
Researchers found a microalgal sugar that is resistant to microbial degradation, forming particles that sink to the ocean floor and store carbon. This discovery challenges the assumption that sugars are rapidly degraded by bacteria, making them an important carbon sink.
New study resolves mystery surrounding unique light-harvesting structures in algae
Scientists have uncovered new structural details of an aquatic microorganism's LHCI-PSI complex, shedding light on the energy harvesting and transfer process. The discovery highlights unique features of diatom proteins, which can inform the development of efficient solar-energy utilization devices.
Why do whales migrate? They return to the tropics to shed their skin, scientists say
Scientists propose that whales migrate to low latitudes to molt, shedding their skin in a process similar to birds and mammals. This drives their long-distance migrations, which can be thousands of miles round trip, with significant impact on local ecosystems.
Parasite manipulates algal metabolism for its own benefit
Researchers found that a pathogenic fungus alters the metabolism of its host algae, producing carbolines that benefit the fungus while harming the algae. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between microorganisms and their hosts in oceanic ecosystems.
New threat from ocean acidification emerges in the Southern Ocean
A new study reveals that ocean acidification is negatively affecting diatoms, a key group of microscopic marine organisms responsible for 40% of ocean productivity. The loss of silica production and sinking ability could lead to reduced atmospheric CO2 removal and storage in the deep ocean.
Scientists discover key factors in how some algae harness solar energy
Scientists have discovered the architecture of proteins known as Photosystem II that diatoms use to absorb sunlight and power their photosynthesis. This discovery could lead to more efficient and affordable algal biofuels and combat climate change from fossil fuel burning.
Algae-killing viruses spur nutrient recycling in oceans
A Rutgers-led study confirms the crucial role of viruses in controlling diatom populations, which produce 20% of Earth's oxygen and store carbon dioxide. Low silicon levels accelerate viral infection, releasing nutrients for recycling by other algae.
Study: Deep-ocean creatures living a 'feast-or-famine' existence because of energy fluxes
A new study reveals how little energy survives from surface ocean plants and animals, with diatoms providing a robust ecosystem at the seafloor. These heavy, dead diatoms form a food web that includes tubeworms, crabs, and other organisms living in a 'feast-or-famine' existence.
Basis of efficient blue-green light harvesting and photoprotection in diatoms revealed
A recent study reveals the crystal structure of diatom fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins, which have exceptional light harvesting and photoprotection capabilities. The findings indicate that these proteins utilize a unique arrangement of pigments to efficiently harness blue-green light.
Climate change is putting wildlife at risk in the world's oldest lake
A new study reveals how climate change and human activity are impacting Lake Baikal's unique ecosystem. The lake's diatom species are shifting towards warmer surface waters, potentially disrupting the food chain and biodiversity.
Research unlocks secrets of iron storage in algae
Researchers discovered that diatoms storing iron through ferritin are more resilient to iron shortages, outcompeting others in shifting ocean conditions. This finding has significant implications for marine food webs and large ocean cycles.
New dataset expands understanding of Arctic Spring Bloom
A new study published in Biogeosciences reveals that declining silicon concentrations in the European Arctic Ocean reduce diatom production, impacting the food chain and organic matter sinking to the seafloor. The research team confirms this effect in 95% of samples collected during a research expedition.
Marine algae bloom-derived biotoxins alter development of zooplankton and ocean food web
Researchers found that diatom algae blooms produce biotoxins affecting Oikopleura dioica zooplankton development, causing 'golf ball' phenotype and lethal anomalies. The study suggests a potential biomarker for zooplankton response to stress caused by diatoms.
Research finds NJ numerical nutrient criterion used to protect streams is too high
Researchers developed a new approach to measure freshwater environments and found New Jersey's current nutrient levels are likely too high. The team suggests a lower threshold of 50 micrograms per liter to maintain healthy ecosystems.
Sex or food? Decision-making in single-cell organisms
Unicellular diatoms demonstrate primitive behavioral biology by choosing between nutrient sources and mating partners. Researchers found that cells move towards pheromones or food depending on hunger level, influencing biofilm dynamics.
Researchers develop microbubble scrubber to destroy dangerous biofilms
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has developed a system that harnesses the power of bubbles to destroy microbial biofilms. The system uses diatoms loaded with an oxygen-generating chemical, which creates microbubbles that propel tiny particles through the surfaces of tough films and deliver an antiseptic deathblow to...
Single-celled architects inspire new nanotechnology
Arizona State University scientists create diatom-like nanostructures using DNA origami, improving elasticity and durability. The method has far-reaching applications in optical systems, semiconductor nanolithography, and medical applications.
ISB develops stress test to predict how diatoms will react to ocean acidification
Diatoms, crucial phytoplankton for marine food webs, may become more resilient in an acidified environment due to energy conservation. This study provides context for understanding climate change impacts.
Fossilized algae hold promise for improved food safety testing
Researchers used fossilized algae to develop a sensitive method for detecting harmful contaminants in food, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. The new technique utilizes photonic crystal features to amplify optical detection signals, enabling rapid identification of toxins like histamine in fish and meat.