A global warming Catch-22?
Phytoplankton, especially diatoms with silicon, play a crucial role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, warmer ocean temperatures hinder this process, creating a global warming Catch-22.
Diatoms
Articles tagged with Diatoms
Living in a glass house: Ocean organism's novel dwelling helps Earth's atmosphere
Researchers found diatoms use glass to facilitate photosynthesis, which benefits the planet by reducing carbon dioxide levels. This discovery links carbon cycles and silicon chemistry, providing insights into historical climate variations and greenhouse gas emissions.
University of Cincinnati and Air Force use algal enzyme to create new silicon-based materials
A team of researchers from the University of Cincinnati and the Air Force has developed a novel method for creating new silicon-based materials using an algal enzyme. The resulting silica spheres have unique properties that make them suitable for applications in sensors, optics, and medical devices. These materials could potentially le...
Mother nature cleans up human-made mess
A University of Toronto researcher found a polar lake in the Arctic has recovered significantly despite decades of sewage dumping, using diatoms as effective bio-monitors. The phosphorus levels have declined sharply since 1972, tracking the decrease in population at a former Canadian military base.
Molecular probes link sea lion deaths to toxic algal bloom
Researchers used molecular probes to identify a toxic diatom linked to the deaths of over 400 California sea lions. The DNA probe tests detected a short but significant bloom in Pseudo-nitzschia australis, allowing researchers to connect the sea lion deaths to the bloom.