Articles tagged with Algae
Researchers quantified five critical ecological processes on over 500 coral reefs worldwide, finding no reef can maximize each process simultaneously. They also identified local super heroes among species that contribute to ecosystem functioning.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg found that process water from the food industry can be used as fertilizer in land-based seaweed cultivation, increasing growth rates by over 60% and protein content quadrupled. This sustainable approach could provide an alternative source of protein in future foods.
A University of Alberta study found that environmentally aware consumers are more inclined to buy insect- or algae-fed chicken if provided with information about its health and environmental benefits. Consumers who received nutrition facts on the packaging were more likely to purchase the alternative product, while those without this i...
Researchers used lake sediment in the Tibetan Plateau to estimate that high-elevation alpine permafrost will melt faster than arctic permafrost, releasing greenhouse gases and contributing to global temperature rise. The study suggests that up to 60% of alpine permafrost land area may be lost under current warming conditions.
Researchers sequenced bacteria associated with Fucus vesiculosus, finding tissue-specific bacteria important for alga's health. The study revealed new insights into the relationships between marine bacteria and algae, shedding light on the impact of climate change on ecosystem services.
Researchers use artificial intelligence to predict algae's potential as a reliable, economic source for biofuel, overcoming challenges of low yield and high harvesting cost. The project aims to transform the bioeconomy by reducing petroleum dependency and alleviating climate change.
Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a model to predict the occurrence of red snow events, which are associated with the duration of snow melt and the timing of new snowfall. The study found that snow algae blooms can speed up snow melt as they darken the surface.
Scientists have characterized thousands of small molecules in coral reef ecosystems, providing insights into food web dynamics and chemical ecology. The study found that corals and seaweeds release diverse compounds that influence nutrient concentrations and availability in the ecosystem.
Native marine macroalgae thrive in environments created by natural groundwater seeps, benefiting from enhanced nutrients despite lowered salinity levels. In contrast, tainted groundwater seeps support invasive species, threatening native algal dominance.
Researchers at Bigelow Laboratory found that some coccolithophore species can use organic compounds as carbon sources, allowing them to thrive in dark conditions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding global ocean processes and the role of algae in the carbon cycle.
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.
Scientists have found age rings in Marimo, indicating their growth rate and annual growth of up to 9mm. The study also shows how the algae balls recycle nutrients through a small-scale nutrient cycle, with exchanges occurring every 105 hours.
Researchers investigated how providing information about alternative feedstuffs impacts consumer preferences. They found that consumers are more likely to prefer insect-based feed due to sustainability claims. The study emphasizes the importance of labelling and transparency for the acceptance of these alternatives.
A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B reveals that a rare alga, Chlorokybus, contains at least five distinct species previously thought to be a single entity. Genetic analysis confirmed these findings, shedding new light on the biodiversity and evolutionary pathways of this key algal group.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
Researchers created a fine-grain understanding of how human wastewater affects coastal waters worldwide, mapping global sources and destinations of nitrogen. The study highlights the impact of modern diets on marine ecology and provides insights for local solutions to tackle a complex global problem.
Researchers developed a color-changing indicator that detects rising levels of alkaline phosphatase, forecasting phytoplankton growth and impending algal blooms. The portable system reliably detected enzyme activity using smartphone scanning apps, potentially enabling real-time field monitoring and prediction.
Researchers found that most coralline algae are negatively impacted by ocean acidification, with decreases in abundance and calcification rates. However, some species, like those in the family Mesophyllumaceae, appear to be more resilient to ocean acidification.
A 1.5°C temperature increase affects algae and animal species living on UK coastlines, with significant changes in species abundance and breeding patterns. The study highlights the importance of considering local temperature variations when predicting climate change impacts.
Researchers at Bigelow Laboratory are exploring a unique relationship between salamanders and algae to develop innovative drugs regulating human immune systems. The team aims to find molecules that regulate immunity without harming the host, potentially treating autoimmune diseases.
Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry technique to identify key protein features in cyanobacteria, enabling rapid detection of harmful species. This approach can be used to prevent blue-green algae blooms and detect toxic species, such as spirulina extracts.
German scientists developed a method to supply oxygen to tadpole brains using photosynthesizing algae injected into their bloodstream. This approach effectively revived neurons in oxygen-deprived tadpoles, showing promise for new therapies for conditions such as stroke and high-altitude environments.
Invasive fish and crustaceans significantly reduce lake organism abundance, degrading water quality. Researchers provide guidance on managing waterbodies to prevent ecosystem collapse.
Researchers developed a real-time measurement technique to detect algae health issues, detecting threats 37-76 hours earlier than traditional methods. This could save hundreds of millions of dollars in algae biomass losses and protect the world's most promising sustainable product source.
Researchers developed a cost-effective protocol for plant sample preparation and visualization, eliminating the need for stains and dyes. The new method harnesses the natural autofluorescence of tissues in plants, allowing for rapid visualization of plant anatomy across diverse taxa.
Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the reproductive habits of dinoflagellate algae, which can help coral reefs adapt to climate change. By studying sex in these tiny creatures, scientists hope to breed strains that are more tolerant of environmental stress.
A new study led by Rachel Penczykowski investigates the hydra effect in water fleas, where parasite infections trigger a counterintuitive increase in population density. The researchers found that infected water fleas consume less algae, leading to an abundance of resources for uninfected individuals.
A new study suggests that climate change is displacing cold-water communities of algae with warm-adapted ones, threatening to destabilize the delicate marine food web. The research found a clear boundary between these communities at moderate water temperatures, highlighting the vulnerability of polar ecosystems.
A study on Antarctic jellyfish was conducted using footage from an amateur nature video. The research team identified 12 species, with two likely representing undescribed species. A machine learning training set for video annotation was also developed.
A new study finds that female walruses in the Chukchi Sea rely on biomarkers from algae growing within sea ice as a primary food source. The researchers tracked these markers using liver tissues from harvested animals, revealing a difference in foraging behavior between males and females.
A new study reconciles the molecular clock with the fossil record of plants by linking older spore-like microfossils to younger plant spores derived from charophyte algae, revealing the evolutionary assembly of the plant regulatory and developmental genome.
A Colorado State University team has received a $3.2 million grant to develop ways to grow algae crops faster and improve their potential as a source of biofuels and other products.
A new study by Ohio State University provides the most accurate estimates of microcystin toxins in Lake Erie's western basin, revealing fluctuating concentrations over short distances. The research emphasizes the importance of frequent data collection to improve water safety and forecasting for the lake's estimated 11 million people.
Researchers observed coral cells engulfing free-living algae in a process that began within minutes, marking the first stages of symbiosis. This study provides new insights into the complex relationship between corals and algae, which is crucial for understanding coral bleaching caused by climate change and pollution.
Scientists have observed individual stony coral cells engulfing single-celled photosynthetic algae, crucial for keeping corals healthy. Around 40% of coral cells incorporated the algae in 30 minutes and remained healthy for a month, providing insights into the partnership between corals and dinoflagellates.
Scientists have discovered a species of algae with three sexes - male, female, and bisexual - which can breed in pairs, shedding new light on the evolutionary transition to self-compatible mating systems. This phenomenon is rare among living organisms, but researchers believe it may not be as uncommon as previously thought.
Researchers have found that using lye and urea to break down cellulose in algae increases biogas production by over two times. The study demonstrates the potential for this method to overcome one of the biggest challenges in digesting algae, paving the way for more sustainable biofuel production.
A Rutgers-led study explores the evolution of photosynthesis, a process critical for plant growth. The research reveals that primary plastid endosymbiosis, a key step in photosynthesis, is rare due to its complex process.
A team of biologists identified a family of algae as a living missing link in the microscopic domain. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of these organisms and clarifies their evolutionary history.
A study by University of Florida scientists found that crayfish exposed to low levels of antidepressant medication behave more boldly, emerging from hiding earlier and spending more time searching for food. This altered behavior could have a ripple effect on stream ecosystem functions.
A new study led by Katie Barott found that climate change-resistant corals can thrive in different environments and maintain their resilient qualities after transplantation. The research suggests that these hardy corals could serve as a founding population to restore reefs in the future.
A new study suggests that managing local environmental conditions can help coral reefs persevere in the face of climate change. Local factors like macroalgae presence and nutrient pollution exacerbate coral loss, but also offer opportunities for management to boost reef resilience.
Researchers found that coral species Pocillopora maintain close relationships with specific algae genera Cladocopium despite intense climate fluctuations over the last 1.5 million years. This resilience may enable them to adapt to modern ocean warming, at least in the coming decades.
Researchers have created the first atlas of stony coral cell types, revealing specialized immune cells that aid in coral resilience. The study provides new insights into coral biology and evolution, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind coral growth and symbiosis.
Northern Red Sea corals have been found to be resistant to higher temperatures due to their symbiotic algae and bacteria. The study reveals that these corals can withstand average temperatures up to 5°C higher than usual, offering hope for saving coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers at LMU München have used artificial laboratory evolution to identify mutations that enable cyanobacteria to tolerate high light levels. The team found that most of the beneficial mutations affected specific proteins, enabling cells to adapt to changing lighting conditions.
Researchers found that prolonged warm water causes coral heat stress, disrupting nutrient cycling and leading to starved corals. Monitoring nutritional status can help anticipate bleaching problems.
A study by Zhang et al. has uncovered evidence of ancient marine algae in fossilized remains from 1400 million-year-old rocks, 600 million years earlier than previously known. The findings suggest that both green and red algal groups were present in marine ecosystems at this time.
Researchers have discovered a sulfosugar from green vegetables that stimulates the growth of key gut bacteria, producing energy-rich compounds. This finding has implications for understanding the interactions between nutrition and the microbiome, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that coral predators have a significant impact on young coral growth and survival, even when protected by fish. The study suggests that density has little effect on predation, as corals are vulnerable to predators regardless of group size or protection.
Researchers found genetically distinct Fal Estuary maerl beds, shaped by geographical isolation and limited connectivity. Threats from shipping and climate change require targeted conservation efforts to protect these ancient ecosystems.
Scientists have unraveled the evolution of photosynthetic algae by reconstructing a key protein that captures sunlight. The discovery sheds light on how these single-celled organisms thrived in inhospitable conditions, paving the way for modern plants and photosynthetic organisms.
A new study published in Geology has discovered macroscopic fossils of multiple species of algae that thrived together on the seafloor about 950 million years ago. The discovery provides critical time constraints for eukaryotic evolution and pushes back the time when algae were living in marine environments.
Researchers found that algae colonizing dead coral can lead to false impressions of a healthy reef ecosystem. This challenges traditional methods for assessing coral health, which rely on measuring calcium carbonate production, as it may not accurately account for the impact of algal overgrowth.
Scientists have discovered two species of sea slugs that can regenerate their entire body, including the heart, after shedding their head. The slugs' unique ability to photosynthesize using chloroplasts from algae may help them survive long enough for regeneration.
A University of Hawaii study found that Oahu's marine protected areas do not adequately protect populations of herbivorous fish species that eat algae on coral reefs. The research suggests that environmental characteristics like habitat complexity and depth have a greater impact on these fish populations than MPA protection.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered how single-celled algae like Chlamydomonas rotate as it swims towards the light. By analyzing flagella movement and creating a computer model, the team found that the alga can steer by exerting different forces on its two flagella.
A mathematical model reveals how two radically different communities coexist beneath California's iconic kelp forests. The model accounts for the growth rate and mortality of algae and invertebrates, as well as the lifecycle of giant kelp and sunlight availability. This dynamic foundation species allows competing groups to dominate at ...
French researchers explored mesophotic corals' distribution and adaptation in French Polynesian waters, from surface to 120m depth. They found that certain filamentous algae play a crucial role in coral survival at depth by capturing shorter light wavelengths.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that ocean acidification favors degraded turf algal systems over corals and other algae due to feedback loops. This ecological shift makes it difficult to reverse and has significant implications for coastal ecosystem services.