Articles tagged with Algae
Reanalysis of 540-million-year-old microfossils from Brazil reveals they are not animal traces but rather communities of fossilized microscopic bacteria and algae. This finding suggests that invertebrates may not have existed or left marks during the Ediacaran period due to limited oxygen levels.
Researchers found that microorganisms in the plastisphere have more functional genes to survive under extreme ocean conditions. They can absorb nutrients effectively and utilize alternative energy sources like anoxygenic photosynthesis.
Researchers have designed a system that releases algaecide steadily over weeks or months, making it less expensive and more efficient than existing options. The buoys removed nearly all cyanobacteria without the need for frequent reapplication.
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.
A South Australian survey found high levels of eco-anxiety and distress linked to the algal bloom, with many participants reporting persistent worry and feelings of helplessness. The study highlights the need to recognize eco-anxiety as a legitimate public health concern.
A recent study found that tropical algae were largely unaffected by periods of global warming up to 1.5 degrees Celsius in the distant past. This resilience provides valuable insights into the potential consequences of climate change and supports the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
Researchers found a surprising correlation between West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat and marine algae growth over the past 500,000 years. The study suggests that global warming may lead to reduced CO2 uptake if the ice sheet continues to shrink.
Researchers from Incheon National University found that extended nutrient deprivation can significantly increase toxin content per cell in P. lima, even when cell numbers remain stable. This suggests that toxin risk may increase quietly under nutrient-poor conditions without obvious bloom expansion.
A University of Waterloo scientist and international collaborators found that airborne mineral dust promotes algae growth on the Greenland ice sheet, exacerbating melting. The study reveals that phosphorus in the dust fuels the growth of pigmented glacier algae.
A new study by the University of Tennessee shows that virus infection of cyanobacteria releases nutrients, fueling microbial growth and contributing to enhanced oxygen levels in the ocean. The findings suggest a direct link between viral activity and ecosystem functioning below the surface.
A recent study by Alice Carter reveals that filamentous algae blooms in the Upper Clark Fork River have a minimal impact on the river's metabolism and function. Instead, smaller epilithic algae are quietly driving the ecosystem, producing healthy conditions for the food web.
Researchers used long-read sequencing to analyze the nuclear genome of Amorphochlora amoebiformis, revealing an extremely high proportion of introns (74%) compared to other eukaryotic genomes. The study provides important insights into the evolutionary dynamics and potential functional roles of introns in eukaryotic genomes.
The Algae for Health in Food and Pharma summit explores the latest developments in algae cultivation and processing, food innovation, and pharmaceutical applications. The event aims to advance the understanding of algae's health potential and highlight its applications across the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
A team of researchers developed an algae-derived asphalt binder that improves moisture resistance, flexibility, and self-healing behavior in asphalt, potentially extending pavement life. Substituting 1% of the petroleum-based binder with algae-based binder could cut net carbon emissions from asphalt by 4.5%.
A team of researchers from Yokohama National University has discovered a previously unknown species of marine fungus that can kill harmful, bloom-forming algae. The new species, Algophthora mediterranea, was found to be a destructive parasite in a species of algae known to cause toxic blooms with adverse health effects on humans.
The ALLIANCE project aims to develop optimised multi-product biorefineries for microalgae to increase utilisation efficiency and produce ingredients for various industries. By implementing circular production models, the partners will reduce waste generation and make sustainable microalgae-based products more affordable.
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.
A study led by Göttingen University found that a group of algae, Coleochaetophyceae, gained complex body structures around 65 million years ago. The team analyzed genetic evolution and fossil evidence, revealing that plant-like complexity is an ancient potential that emerged multiple times.
A new international study reveals that nitrogen fixation occurs beneath Arctic sea ice, increasing available nitrogen for algae and potentially boosting marine life. This discovery could also impact carbon absorption in the Arctic Ocean.
A recent study found that light color affects phytoplankton growth and nutrient cycling in lake ecosystems. The researchers discovered that the less light available to microalgae, the more important the color of light became for their growth.
A team of international marine scientists urges reform to licensing and regulation of coastal restoration projects. The authors argue outdated systems hinder progress toward ambitious global targets to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
Researchers discovered that Arctic diatoms can move and glide through ice at temperatures as low as -15 C, using a unique mucilage rope mechanism. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of adaptation to a changing polar environment and potential roles in the food chain.
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.
A new study finds that sargassum seaweed can significantly slow down sea turtle hatchlings in Florida, increasing their risk of predation and heat exposure. Researchers found that even small amounts of sargassum can impede hatchlings' progress, with leatherbacks taking 54% longer to crawl through light sargassum.
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.
A new study found potentially concerning concentrations of domoic acid in wild sea stars, which could have cascading consequences for marine biodiversity. The researchers also observed behavioral and physiological changes in response to the neurotoxin, raising concerns about its potential impacts on keystone species.
Despite poor health scores for England's rivers, independent review reveals important improvements in freshwater biodiversity, including increases in species richness and diversity. An alternative monitoring standard has been proposed to better reveal the status of different species and inform local decisions.
Researchers developed a powerful new method to detect harmful blue-green algae in freshwater lakes using advanced mass spectrometry technology. The technique can identify toxin-producing algae before they become damaging, posing a threat to public health.
A new study from Cornell University reveals that harmful cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa suppresses algal competitors by releasing antivitamins, which mimic vitamin B1. This allows M. aeruginosa to dominate the water column and thrive in changing climate conditions.
Researchers found that dominant predatory fish species acquired most of their energy from kelp, but on turf-dominated reefs, they turned to phytoplankton for energy. Kelp forest collapse removed a key source and pathway for energy flow in the food web.
A team of researchers analyzed a photosynthetic complex found in a marine alga and discovered a unique arrangement of antenna proteins around the photosystem core. This structure indicates an adaptation to its living environment and provides insights into the efficiency of light-harvesting under certain conditions.
A new study has shown that turf algae release chemicals that can kill young kelp, creating a feedback loop that reinforces kelp forest collapse. The research reveals an indirect way climate change is reshaping ocean ecosystems, complicating kelp forest recovery along Maine's rapidly warming coast.
Researchers developed an in vitro assay to evaluate the anti-pathogen efficacy of mixed algal microbiomes from live-feed microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Isochrysis galbana. The study found that mixtures of bacteria could inhibit Vibrio anguillarum, a fish pathogen, and isolated pure cultures of bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a next-day prediction model to warn and inform water managers about harmful algal blooms in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary. The model uses computer algorithms to predict levels of chlorophyll-a, a pigment indicative of algal bloom conditions.
Researchers have found new organisms that can capture carbon dioxide and clean pollutants from the environment. By exploring extremophiles in homes, scientists can gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop sustainable solutions.
Viruses that infect and kill toxic algal blooms can cause the release of high levels of toxin microcystin-LR into water, posing a significant risk to human health and ecosystems. The finding highlights the need for better understanding of these interactions to inform forecasting and mitigation strategies for harmful algal blooms.
Researchers discovered that stream discharge, benthic algae presence, and substrate characteristics increase microplastic retention. High levels of algae and larger stream substrates trap microplastics, while rapid discharge events resuspend them.
The University of Barcelona team has identified the mechanism by which alginate lyase enzymes degrade marine biomaterials, enabling tailored alginates for biomedical and food industries. The study's findings will facilitate efficient production and optimize natural resource usage.
Researchers found a novel virus in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which is the largest temperate virus discovered to date with a latent infection cycle. The discovery sheds light on potential biotechnological applications, including gene editing.
The study reveals that the glycocalyx's main components are glycoproteins FMG1B and FMG1A, which regulate cilia adhesiveness without directly transmitting force for gliding motility. The findings expand knowledge of cellular regulation and protective mechanisms in other organisms.
A recent study reveals that microplastic pollution decreases photosynthetic efficiency by 7.05–12.12% across terrestrial plants, marine algae, and freshwater algae, leading to estimated annual losses of 4.11–13.52% for key staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize.
Antarctic krill exhibit sudden changes in behavior when exposed to the water-borne smell of penguin poo, showing increased speed, turns, and reduced foraging efficiency. This 'zigzagging' is an avoidance reaction that may increase their odds of survival in a swarm.
A recent USF study found that strong ocean currents and wind pushed sargassum into the tropics, where it thrived in ideal growing conditions. Nutrients were supplied via vertical mixing, fueling massive blooms that end up on Caribbean beaches.
Researchers identify methyl halides as a potential sign of microbial life on Hycean planets with thick hydrogen atmospheres. The gas could accumulate in exoplanet atmospheres and be detectable from light-years away, offering an optimal strategy for the search for extraterrestrial life.
A research team from Göttingen University has compared algae and plants that span 600 million years of independent evolution, identifying a shared stress response network. This comprehensive dataset can be further explored for its physiological impact across plant diversity.
New research reveals that ice algae can store phosphorus, enabling them to colonize larger areas of the ice sheet. This could lead to faster melting as darkened ice loses its reflectivity.
Researchers at TU Freiberg investigate the cell function of newly discovered algae species Streptofilum arcticum, which exhibits flexible and resilient properties. The study reveals unique adaptations enabling the algae to survive in dry, cold Arctic soils and withstand climate fluctuations.
Researchers at MSU are studying Cyanidioschyzon merolae, an alga that can photosynthesize in extreme conditions. Understanding its abilities can help scientists improve the process of photosynthesis.
Researchers have discovered that chameleon shrimp can disguise themselves in exotic algae from other oceans, regardless of their evolutionary history. The crustaceans prefer to hide in invasive species with complex structures that offer better protection from predators.
A deadly ciliate parasite has decimated sea urchin populations in the Caribbean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, with mortality rates reaching over 90%. The International team of researchers is working to track the disease and preserve sea urchins, which play a crucial role in maintaining coral reef health.
The study sequenced the genome of Tridacna maxima to understand how these creatures adapted to coexist with algae. The findings suggest that giant clams have evolved genes coded for sensors to distinguish friendly algae from harmful bacteria, as well as a weakened immune system.
The study traces the evolutionary history of brown algae through genomic analysis, highlighting their role in sustaining coastal habitats and combating climate change. The research also identifies practical applications in aquaculture, biotechnology, and ecosystem restoration.
Researchers discovered that heart cockle shells have translucent areas with hair-thin strands that deliver specific wavelengths of light into the bivalves' tissues. This natural system filters out bad wavelengths and channels in optimal wavelengths for photosynthesis, benefiting the clams' symbiotic algae.
A recent study by King's College London analyzed satellite data and found a link between toxic cyanobacteria blooms in watering holes and the deaths of over 300 African elephants in Botswana. The research suggests climate change may have contributed to the poisoning, with increased algal growth linked to extreme weather events.
Coral larvae reduce metabolism and increase nitrogen uptake to resist bleaching in high temperatures. This adaptation allows the coral to conserve energy and resources, while also limiting algal overgrowth and maintaining symbiotic relationships.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a combination of green algae and yeast that enhances wastewater treatment efficiency. The mixture boosts the growth environment, uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions, making it an effective solution for wastewater treatment facilities.
A new study by University of Texas at Arlington researchers found that living with symbiotic algae weakens the immune system of jellyfish, making them more vulnerable to infections. This finding has important implications for coral reef conservation and human disease prevention.
Scientists have successfully integrated chloroplasts from algae into hamster cells, allowing the cells to undergo photosynthesis and producing oxygen and energy. This breakthrough could lead to the development of artificial tissues that can grow in size without limitations due to low oxygen levels, paving the way for innovative biotech...
Researchers have discovered a novel strain of cyanobacteria that can grow rapidly in high-CO2 environments, sink in water, and produce valuable commodities. The 'Chonkus' strain has traits useful for biologically-based carbon sequestration and bioproduction.
A new experimental study has found that cockroaches and maggots can efficiently break down invasive seaweed into a high-quality compost. This discovery offers promising prospects for the bio-recycling of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae and its management in circular economy applications.