Growing human antibodies in algae
Researchers create a new, cost-effective way to produce human therapeutic proteins using algae. They can now make large quantities of antibodies and other proteins much cheaper than traditional methods.
Algae
Articles tagged with Algae
Even green pond scum can suffer from jet lag
Researchers have successfully determined the structure of a biological clock protein called KaiC in blue-green algae, shedding light on internal clock mechanisms. The protein's ring-like hexagonal structure suggests it interacts directly with DNA, potentially regulating gene expression and controlling the wake-sleep cycle.
Tiny plant may yield big environment, energy payoffs
The sequencing of Chlamydomonas' chloroplast genome reveals its potential for improving crop tolerance to phosphates, reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution. The algae may also be used as a source of renewable hydrogen and bioreactor for producing novel proteins.
New findings reconfirm toxicity of Pfiesteria cultures
A new study confirms Pfiesteria cultures can produce a toxic compound, contradicting previous claims that it was non-toxic. The research used standardized methods to test the strain, showing it could kill fish at low cell densities, and detected a potent water-soluble toxin in both pure culture and with algae.
Researcher turns brown algae phylogeny upside down
Brown algae's DNA composition was examined to reorder the division Phaeophyta, resulting in a new classification of 20 orders. A new species, Sphacelaria tsengii, was also discovered with unique propagules used for asexual reproduction.
Dartmouth biologists say algae might be missing mercury link in aquatic food chain
Researchers at Dartmouth College found that algae helps to reduce the concentration of methylmercury in Daphnia and fish by dispersing it widely throughout single-celled algae cells. This discovery has significant implications for understanding mercury biomagnification in aquatic ecosystems.
Battling the barnacle
The U.S. Navy is seeking non-toxic solutions to combat barnacle infestations, which cost billions of dollars annually due to drag on ship hulls. Researchers are exploring flexible and textured coatings that may repel or deter barnacles without harming marine organisms.
Reproduction without fertilization?
Researchers have identified a key molecular cue regulating zygotic genome activation in green algae Chlamydomonas. The abnormal expression of the mt+ gamete-specific gene gsp1 induces zygote development without fertilization. This finding opens up new avenues for understanding zygotic genome activation in higher organisms.
Botanists collect, study rare Hawaiian plants
Researchers are conducting field studies on three Hawaiian islands to examine the origins and evolution of plant life on Earth. The team is collecting plant samples in various ecosystems to identify invasive species and determine their impact on native biodiversity.
Scientist searches Yellowstone Park for carbon dioxide-eating microbe
A team of researchers, led by Keith Cooksey from Montana State University, is on a mission to find microorganisms that can naturally lower carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. They plan to use the heat-loving microbes found in Yellowstone National Park's hot springs to scrub CO2 from industrial exhaust.
Scientists look to nature to cut greenhouse emissions
Researchers at Ohio University are developing an algae-based system to remove carbon dioxide from smokestacks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The system uses photosynthesis and could process up to 20% of a plant's CO2 emissions, producing 200,000 tons of algae per year.
Study: fertilized lakes less stable than previously thought
A new study by researchers at Dartmouth College found that fertilized lakes in Ontario, Canada, exhibit unpredictable algal composition and abundance fluctuations from year to year. This unpredictability makes it challenging for lake managers to make accurate predictions for planning management and research efforts.
Heat damage to "photosynthesis engine" in symbiotic algae may be among major causes of coral bleaching
Coral reefs are experiencing extensive bleaching due to gradual warming of ocean temperatures. A new study found that heat damage to symbiotic algae is degrading their ability to convert light into utilizable energy. The damaged algae, including the D1 protein, impair photosynthesis and lead to coral expulsion.
Internal Clocks Keep Everything From Humans To Algae Ticking
Vanderbilt University biologist Carl Johnson's research finds that internal clocks in humans and lower organisms are entrained by both artificial and natural light. The human biological clock speeds up with age, leading to early wake-up times and sleep disruptions, while napping is an innate function.
Breakthrough Research On Ocean Algae Could Lead To Freeze- And Drought- Resistant Crops
Researchers have identified the precise mechanism by which marine algae produce DMSP, a compound that helps clouds form in the atmosphere. This discovery could lead to genetically engineered crops with improved drought, freeze, and salt tolerance, potentially regulating global climate.
Bottom-up Ecological Processes Better For Clear Waters, Study Finds
Researchers at UC Davis analyzed eight lake studies and found that limiting nutrient supply is a stronger mechanism for controlling algae blooms than tinkering with food webs. This challenges the 'trophic cascade hypothesis,' which suggests manipulating food web structure can regulate lake clarity.