Articles tagged with Algae
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 ...
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.
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 used non-invasive microscopy to study coral-algal symbiosis, tracking changes in algal concentrations and biomolecules under varying environmental conditions. Shallow water corals produce more algae to compensate for reduced sunlight, while deeper waters rely on algal partners for photosynthesis.
Researchers at Michigan State University and the University of Hawaii have discovered chemical signatures in corals that indicate resistance to bleaching. The study found that resistant corals host algae with saturated lipids, which differ from those found in susceptible corals with more unsaturated lipids.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about coral bleaching, revealing that corals start to starve before their algae are expelled due to nutrient depletion. This finding has significant implications for understanding the causes of coral bleaching and identifying resilient reefs.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to identify a gene responsible for regulating coral's response to heat stress. The study found that corals can die of starvation without the nutrients provided by photosynthesis, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for fragile reef ecosystems.
Research reveals an aggressive golden-brown alga is rapidly overgrowing shallow reefs in the Caribbean, taking the place of damaged coral and exacerbating ecosystem damage. The invasive algal crusts harbor a distinct microbial community that deters coral settlement.
Researchers discovered how EPYC1 protein links together Rubisco holoenzymes in the pyrenoid matrix, allowing access for repair proteins. This finding solves a longstanding mystery and provides insights into optimizing crop growth rates through genetic engineering.
Researchers have discovered how the algal pyrenoid, a critical component in carbon fixation, is assembled. A sequence of amino acids, or motif, guides the proteins to the pyrenoid, allowing it to form and function correctly. This discovery sheds light on a long-standing mystery in scientific research.
Research finds that nanosilver disturbs the metabolism of algae, making their membranes more permeable and reducing photosynthesis. This can have significant impacts on the aquatic food chain and oxygen production. The study uses metabolomics to detect early changes induced by nanoparticles.
Researchers find molecular fossils extracted from 635-million-year-old rocks are not the earliest evidence of animals, but rather common algae. The discovery sheds light on the origin of animal ancestors and their abundance in ancient oceans.
Researchers discover endogenous viral elements from giant viruses are common in chlorophyte green algae, suggesting a potential beneficial relationship between hosts and their viruses. The findings challenge current understanding of host-virus interactions and may shed light on the early evolution of plants.
Coralline red algae have formed a calcareous skeleton to support coral reefs for at least 150 million years. However, their role was only proven through the analysis of over 700 fossilised reefs from the Earth's history.
Scientists discovered that surviving algae adapted a unique behavior called mixotrophy, allowing them to thrive in the aftermath of an asteroid impact. This adaptation enabled them to eat other organisms while still utilizing photosynthesis to produce food.
Researchers have discovered how sea slugs protect chloroplasts from damage caused by light, allowing them to continue photosynthesis. The findings provide insight into this unique animal-chloroplast relationship and its potential implications for longevity.
Researchers recommend a diet rich in sprat, algae, and mollusks as a sustainable alternative to meat. These protein sources emit significantly less CO2 than traditional animal products.
Scientists have discovered an ancient gene family in Chlamydomonas algae that produces glycerol to protect against salt and cold stress in Antarctica. The gene family is necessary and sufficient for glycerol synthesis, suggesting its ancient origin and importance for survival in extreme environments.
Researchers at Nagoya University have found the mechanism of the night-to-day transition of the circadian rhythm in green algae. By controlling the activity of ROC75, they can wake up green algae and enhance their photosynthetic activities to produce larger amounts of lipids.
Researchers discovered that salamander eggs and algae compete to assimilate carbon from their surroundings, challenging previous assumptions about the benefits of symbiotic relationships. This finding has implications for understanding dark ocean carbon fixation and its impact on global food webs.
Researchers found that coral reefs in the ETP region have adapted to heat stress, with some recovering within 10-15 years after El Niño events. The study suggests that ETP corals' high reproductive rates, tolerant symbiotic algae, and geographical patterns may contribute to their resilience.
Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish that switch to coral diets early exhibit enhanced growth rates and larger size, leading to increased reproductive capacity. This variation in early development can have significant consequences for crown-of-thorns population dynamics and coral reef ecosystem health.
Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish exhibit flexible diets, consuming a range of algae types and even biofilm to avoid starvation. This adaptability complicates age prediction and outbreak forecasting for the species, which poses a significant threat to coral reefs.
Recent genomic data reveal emerging insights into plastid evolution, highlighting the complexity of their origins and history. Plastids are found patchily distributed across eukaryotic lineages, with secondary and tertiary acquisitions contributing to their diversity.
Researchers used a new method to understand how corals' symbiotic algae respond to warmer temperatures. They found thermally tolerant algae adopt a 'shelter-in-place' strategy, storing fats and carbohydrates to persist through stress.
A newly-identified algae species, Chondria tumulosa, has been discovered in NW Hawaiian waters, posing a major threat to coral reefs. The alga has no known origin, smothering entire reefs and corals with its fast growth and 'tumbleweed-like' appearance.
Researchers at KAUST discovered that giant clam iridocytes absorb UV radiation and re-emit it as useful light for photosynthesis. This photoprotective effect enables clams to live in shallow tropical waters with high UV radiation levels.
Researchers discovered unicellular green algae with enzymes that can convert commercially viable substances without generating co-substrate, using photosynthesis. This breakthrough has the potential to create a greener industry by producing substances at mild temperatures and in water.
A custom light-sheet microscope enables gentle observation of corals and their polyps for eight hours at high resolution. This technology sheds light on coral bleaching and symbiotic relationships.
Researchers from OIST have decoded the genomes of four Okinawa mozuku strains, revealing unique genetic differences and potential heat tolerance. The findings could help improve cultivation methods and develop new strains tolerant to climate change effects.
A team of Carnegie scientists solved a marine science mystery by identifying the cell type and genes responsible for coral recognition and uptake of photosynthetic algae. This breakthrough can aid coral conservation and increase understanding of other coral species threatened by warming oceans.
A new study finds that bacteria fed by algae biochemicals can harm coral health, leading to a shift in reef ecosystems dominated by turf and fleshy algae. The research reveals the role of microbiomes in coral-algae interactions, offering opportunities for probiotic engineering to improve coral resilience.
A study reveals that holobionts, including viruses and microbes, interact through a distinct microbiome at the coral-algal interface. This interaction determines the outcome of competition between corals and turf algae, leading to shifting reef ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that brown algae's cell wall contains the long-chained sugar fucoidan, which is only partially degraded by microbial communities. However, specific highly specialized bacteria can break down fucoidan using over 100 enzymes, sequestering carbon in the ocean.
Gen3Bio Inc., a Purdue University-affiliated startup, has developed proprietary technology to transform waste algae into specialty chemicals. The company has received $20,000 in investments through the Elevate Nexus Regional Pre-Seed competition and a $20,000 pilot plant grant from The Water Council.
Researchers at HKU discovered that corals' reliance on certain nutritional sources underpins their bleaching susceptibility in warming oceans. The team found that predatory corals can withstand warmer temperatures longer than photosynthetic corals.
Research has discovered that a unique type of algae on turtle shells influences the surrounding microbial communities. This finding may contribute to supporting turtle conservation by understanding how diverse microbiomes protect animals against infections.
The discovery of two novel dinoflagellates, MGD and TGD, reveals that the process of organellogenesis is less advanced in these strains than previously thought. The organisms contain nucleomorphs with DNA transfer events ongoing, allowing researchers to study this critical stage of organelle formation.
Researchers discovered diverse forms of Photosystem I in cyanobacteria and algae, including a specialized dimer in Anabaena and a minimal form in Dunaliella. These findings suggest new energy pathways, pigment binding sites, and phospholipids, providing insight into photosynthesis beyond traditional textbook descriptions.
Cyanobacteria, previously thought to lack oil production ability, can now produce oil from water and carbon dioxide with light. This discovery opens up possibilities for producing animal feed or biofuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that high levels of nitrogen pollution lower the temperature at which coral begins to bleach and increases its severity. The team surveyed over 10,000 corals around Moorea and found that both types of branching corals showed identical responses to nutrient pollution.
Researchers have discovered that coral colonies with similar groups of algae survive better under stress. The study found that the symbiotic community diversity of dinoflagellates in good-performing corals is more constrained and works well together with their host, while poorly performing corals have less coordinated communities.
A new study describes the arrival of the potentially invasive bryozoan Membranipora membranacea on Antarctic coasts via macroalgae, highlighting the vulnerability of Antarctic ecosystems to non-native species. The discovery raises concerns about the potential ecological impact and dramatic changes to local marine communities.
A study by University of California San Diego researchers shows that consuming green algae improves human gastrointestinal issues associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as diarrhea, gas and bloating. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in bowel discomfort and more regular bowel movements among participants.
Researchers discovered that coralline algae can build tolerance to ocean acidification over time, providing a potential solution for coral reef survival. The findings suggest that these algae may be able to resist the impacts of climate change on coral reefs.
Research suggests that maintaining a healthy size distribution of parrotfish in sea floor ecosystems is crucial for coral reef health. Experiments show that large parrotfish play a key role in controlling algae growth, and selective fishing practices could lead to an overgrowth of algae if these larger fish are removed.
Researchers discovered that corals and sea anemones control algal population size by limiting nitrogen availability. This balance is crucial for reef survival in a changing climate.
Researchers from OU and international partners analyzed ancient dust in rocks to understand the role of atmospheric dust on marine ecosystems 300 million years ago. They found that this ancient dust was much dustier than today, with twice as much bioavailable iron, leading to a massive surge in marine photosynthesizers.
A team of researchers observed regular oscillations in the populations of rotifers and green algae over a period of one year, corresponding to more than 50 cycles. The oscillations were repeatedly interrupted by short periods without discernible external influences, but always returned to their normal rhythm on their own.
A new study published in Communications Biology has identified the exact sites where Aurora kinase phosphorylates dynamin, a protein involved in mitochondrial division. The research suggests that the process of mitochondrial replication is similar in different eukaryotic organisms, including humans.
Researchers have discovered a new alginate lyase in a heat-loving bacterium that can directly utilize brown algae and ferment its components into ethanol with high-yield. The study has identified previously unknown enzymatic families contributing to bioconversion, shedding light on sustainable seaweed-based biofuel production.