Articles tagged with Algae
A new study measures how much of coral nutrition comes from hunting, suggesting that corals may be eating more than expected. The research provides a more accurate view of coral diets and has big implications for reef survival during climate change.
USC scientists discover coral passes beneficial algae colonies to offspring for survival advantage. The finding suggests corals can adapt to rising ocean temperatures through genetic mechanisms.
Researchers investigated the role of SAGA1 protein in regulating pyrenoid shape and number. They found that loss of SAGA1 leads to multiple pyrenoids with fewer starch plates, which results from elongated starch plates pinching off matrix portions.
A 2018 Kilauea eruption led to an unusual algae super bloom that stretched for miles, fueled by the perfect cocktail of nutrients from the ocean, including nitrate, silicic acid, iron, and phosphate. The bloom, which was hundreds of miles wide, was an unexpected outcome of the volcanic event.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology found that corals use organic carbon to recycle waste ammonium, revealing new insights into coral-algae symbiosis. This process allows corals to control algal growth by regulating nitrogen flow.
Researchers found evidence of earlier Arctic sea-ice decline starting at the beginning of the 20th century using a new proxy from coralline algae. The study provides insight into past sea-ice variability and may help reduce uncertainties in ocean model simulations.
A team of scientists has developed a locally growing algae species that can be used to extract cellulose nanofibers, forming paper sheets with tailored pore size for effective virus and bacteria removal. The filter has demonstrated excellent efficiency in lab and real-life tests.
A USC-led study reveals that marine microbes containing rhodopsins are more abundant than thought and can capture more light energy than chlorophylls. This shift in microbial communities may result in less carbon fixation in the ocean, potentially leading to increased CO2 levels and faster warming.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that giant clam feces contain symbiotic algae zooxanthellae, which can be transferred to juvenile clams and establish a symbiotic relationship. This finding may help solve the mystery of how coral reefs acquire these essential algae.
A recent DNA analysis revealed surprising genetic diversity in a bacterium that targets commercial algae, posing a persistent threat to the biofuels industry. The discovery suggests that treatment for one algae pest might not work for another, complicating large-scale algae cultivation.
Researchers found that red algae stole approximately 1% of their genes from bacteria to adapt to toxic metals and salt stress in hot springs. The study suggests that this genetic adaptation could be used to develop novel genetic engineering methods to produce fuels and clean up polluted sites.
Newly discovered microscopic protists Rhodelphis limneticus and Rhodelphis marinus have a complex genome and chloroplast, indicating their close ties with plants in the distant past. They are genetically linked to red algae, but show a surprising evolutionary twist, pointing to an ancient organism resembling a triffid.
A recent study has found a greater diversity of coralline algae species in kelp forests compared to sea urchin barrens, where they thrive despite the loss of sea otters. This discovery suggests that corallines may play a crucial role in maintaining these ecosystems.
A British-German study found that environmental factors had a significant influence on species success in the past, but became less important around 170 million years ago. The shift was attributed to the rise of planktonic algae with calcified shells, which changed the rules of evolution.
Researchers have discovered thriving microbial communities in high-elevation ice spires in the Andes Mountains, offering insights into the limits of life on Earth. Snow algae were found to be present in these formations for the first time at an extreme elevation, providing a possible analogue for life on other planets.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba developed a reusable nanostructured graphene system to efficiently remove water from algae biomass, preserving environmental benefits. This innovation increases the yield of eco-friendly biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers.
Researchers discovered a new species of bacteria living inside algae that produces toxic compounds for the sea slug's defense. The three-way symbiotic relationship allows the slug to obtain food and defensive chemicals while the algae benefits from chemical production and the bacteria receive a home and nutrients.
Coral and algal symbiotic relationships are crucial for reef construction. Researchers analyzed cellular processes in anemones hosting native and non-native dinoflagellate algae to understand preferential relationships and potential for revival of bleached coral communities. They found elevated protein expression associated with nutrie...
A new microorganism, Vibrio sp. dhg, has been successfully developed to rapidly metabolize alginic acid in algae and genetic engineering techniques optimized for this new microorganism based on omics analysis.
Researchers found that corals and coralline algae, crucial for reef structure, are vulnerable to ocean acidification. The study suggests a significant shift in the composition and function of future reefs if they can survive climate change.
A new study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has discovered distinct microbial communities surrounding Caribbean corals. The research found that different types of coral have unique microbial communities living near them, with some species showing enriched presence in the seawater closer to corals.
Coral reefs surrounding Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific recovered dramatically after a 2015 bleaching event, with less than 10% dying. Imaging software and 3D structuring helped scientists monitor coral growth and decline over time.
A new study by Desert Research Institute researchers found that a common species of freshwater green algae can remove certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from treated wastewater. The algae showed significant removal rates for three EDCs, including triclosan, in ultrafiltration water.
Scientists decoded the genome of umi-budo, a popular Okinawan seaweed, to understand its unique shape and assist farmers in proper cultivation. The study revealed key genes controlling growth and development, potentially helping ease crop issues and address environmental concerns.
A new library of Chlamydomonas mutants has enabled scientists to discover nearly 300 genes essential for photosynthesis, a process that produces oxygen and fuels life on Earth. This breakthrough highlights the vast knowledge gap in understanding the genetic mechanisms behind this fundamental process.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found bacterial pathogens in single-celled algae can induce apoptosis, a process previously thought to occur only in large organisms. This discovery has broad implications for developing targeted antibiotics and producing biofuels from algae.
Researchers discovered that plants' built-in drought detection system has an unlikely origin: freshwater-dwelling streptophyte algae. This signaling pathway, which triggers plants' drought defenses, has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of millions of years and exists across most plant lineages.
The discovery of ancient molecules, including bisnorgammacerane, reveals that predatory plankton played a crucial role in shaping the evolution of modern ecosystems. This finding suggests that massive predation helped 'clear' out bacteria-dominated oceans and create space for algae, paving the way for more complex lifeforms to evolve.
Researchers discover coralline red algae fossils dating back 430 million years, challenging current classification. This finding sheds new light on the development of these algae, which play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems.
The University of California San Diego is awarded $2 million to create novel methods for manufacturing biologically based monomers used in making polyurethane polymers. The project aims to produce cost-competitive algae-based products for various plastics found in everyday items.
Researchers conducted a 19-month experiment to study algae growth in five outdoor locations across the US. The project provided valuable data on optimal conditions for algae production, which can help others make predictions and develop strategies for growing algae in various regions.
Scientists have developed a new organic proxy, phytane, to analyze ancient CO2 levels in the oceans, revealing high levels of carbon dioxide 1000 ppm. This data shows changes that typically take millions of years are now happening in a century, providing valuable insights into future climate predictions.
A study using algae deaths reveals the amount of uplift during the 2016 magnitude 7.6 Chiloé earthquake was approximately 25.8 centimeters, confirming a 3-meter maximum fault slip. This finding helps assess seismic hazards in the Chilean Subduction Zone and informs efforts to predict future major earthquakes.
A breakthrough study has identified a key protein that controls starch content in algae, allowing for increased production of biofuels and sustainable materials. The discovery could accelerate the development of environmentally friendly products and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
The VIMS hypoxia model reports a similar total volume of low-oxygen waters to 2017, but with earlier and longer-lasting low-oxygen conditions. Wind mixing played a crucial role in reducing mid-summer hypoxia.
Researchers found that corals living in more productive waters consume plankton and other microorganisms for energy, suggesting some corals are less reliant on symbiotic algae. This discovery could aid predictions on coral recovery from bleaching events and inform strategies for identifying resilient reefs.
Researchers found that gas bubbles released during photosynthesis produce a 'ringing' sound, correlating with algal cover on coral reefs. This discovery may enable rapid and inexpensive estimation of algal abundance, a key indicator of stress on coral reefs.
Researchers found evidence of a skeleton in ancient organisms, challenging previous assumptions about fossil chronicle. The discovery confirmed that these creatures had a skeleton composed of single-row chambers, similar to modern giant protozoa.
A recent study found that climate change is causing a shift in reef composition, with gorgonians taking the place of declining coral species in some regions. The research suggests that gorgonians are better adapted to changing conditions due to their flexible trophic structure.
Researchers at STRI and CIMAR discovered a new blood-red octocoral species, T. dalioi, on Hannibal Bank, highlighting the importance of mesophotic reefs and coral conservation. The study's findings have potential applications in medicine, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
The study's findings suggest that Chara braunii possesses all the necessary genes for cell division and phytohormone biosynthesis similar to those found in land plants. Additionally, it contains genes encoding Aux/IAA and ARF transcription factors involved in auxin response, which were not present in Klebsormidium nitens.
Scientists at Australian National University have engineered tiny carbon-capturing engines from blue-green algae into plants, promising a 60% increase in plant growth and yield. This breakthrough improves the way crops convert carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into energy through enhanced photosynthesis.
Marimo algae balls sink at night and float during the day due to photosynthesis and biological circadian rhythms, according to a new study published in Current Biology. The research has implications for conserving these endangered species, which have experienced a global decline.
New research reveals that coral-algal partnerships date back to the Jurassic Period, approximately 160 million years ago. This finding challenges previous assumptions and provides evidence for a more diverse range of algal species worldwide.
A team of scientists found that coral-algal partnerships are older and more diverse than previously thought, with a history dating back to the 'age of dinosaurs.' This relationship has enabled corals to adapt to environmental changes over millions of years.
Researchers found a novel approach combining manual removal and native urchin outplanting effective in reducing invasive macroalgae on Hawaiian coral reefs. The method reduced algae growth by 85% over two years without harming corals or other reef species.
A study of five coralline algae species found that organismal size is the main factor in determining physiological performance under acidic conditions. The findings provide insight into how different species will respond to ocean acidification and its effects on marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that coralline algae, often considered a canary in the coal mine for ecosystem changes, are responding to ocean acidification by altering their chemical cues. This shift could impact the overall ecosystem as species interact differently with each other.
Research on freshwater algae Chara braunii reveals ancient genetic traits associated with plant adaptation, including the stress hormone abscisic acid and electrical signal transmission. These findings provide insights into the evolutionary origins of land-dwelling plants.
Scientists from ANU and overseas have discovered the oldest colours in the geological record, dating back 1.1 billion years. The bright pink pigments were extracted from marine black shales of the Taoudeni Basin in Mauritania, West Africa, and are more than half a billion years older than previous pigment discoveries.
The lab provides datasets to support emergency response in Hawaii following volcanic eruptions, enabling quick identification of vulnerable structures. Researchers also develop super-stretchy polymers with self-healing abilities and create a scalable processing technique for 3D printing plant-based materials.
Researchers in Brazil have discovered that sun coral can regenerate at a faster rate as water temperature increases, making it a formidable invasive species. The study's findings suggest that the genus Tubastraea, which comprises seven species, including two invasive ones, can thrive in various marine environments.
A Northeast sea slug has been found to store millions of algal plastids in its gut lining after pilfering them from the brown alga Vaucheria litorea, a food source rich in tiny solar panels. The sea slug survives solely on photosynthesis for up to six months by protecting and utilizing the stolen plastids.
Scientists at the University of Turku have discovered an efficient way to transform solar energy into chemical hydrogen through photosynthesis of green algae, extending hydrogen production by several days. The new method shows that a major obstacle to efficient hydrogen production is not oxygen, but competition between metabolic pathways.
Research by Lobachevsky University and Moscow State University found that cytoplasmic streaming is involved in the transmission of signals within giant cells of Chara algae. The study showed that signal molecules formed in illuminated areas propagated with the moving cytoplasm, affecting photosynthesis and enhancing fluorescence in oth...
A Master's student at FAU has developed a method to assign blue-green algae fossils to specific species using crystallography. By comparing fossil structures with microfossils, researchers found that blue-green algae have a less structured pattern with many misorientations in crystals.
Researchers detected evidence of a sudden sea-level rise in the northern Aegean Sea around 7,600 years ago, coinciding with a standstill in the Neolithic revolution. This event likely caused flooding of low-lying coastal areas and delayed settlement development.
Scientists at Swansea University are developing a circular economy solution using algae to clean up waste nutrients from food and farm waste. The ALG-AD project aims to cultivate algal biomass for animal feed and other products, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new design for algae-powered fuel cells that is five times more efficient and potentially more cost-effective. The two-chamber system separates charging and power delivery processes, enabling enhanced performance and reduced electrical losses.
A new study by University of Adelaide scientists demonstrates how climate change drives the collapse of marine food webs, potentially leading to decreased food availability for top predators and negative impacts on marine species.