Articles tagged with Algae
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.
A study found that warm waters and algae growth are associated with an increase in botulism-related bird deaths on Lake Michigan. The researchers used satellite data to monitor environmental conditions and found a correlation between warmer waters and higher levels of algae, which can lead to the growth of toxin-producing bacteria.
A recent study found that global coral bleaching events have increased in frequency and severity over the past four decades. Severe bleaching episodes are now more common than ever, affecting over 30% of cases, with the risk of such events rising by approximately 4% annually since 1980.
Researchers found algae significantly reduce ice sheet's albedo and contribute to its melting. Algal darkening is responsible for 5-10% of total melt each summer, according to the study.
A new gene-editing technique has improved the efficiency of producing medicines, renewable fuels and food supplements from algae, increasing yields 500-fold compared to previous methods. The breakthrough could unleash the potential of the global algae industry worth $1.1 billion by 2024.
Researchers developed a new approach to monitoring algae blooms near lake shores, combining satellite and drone imaging for early detection. The tool offers near-daily updates, fast water quality monitoring, and better chorophyll a distribution maps.
A University of Adelaide researcher tested a theory on the evolution of sexes in algae, finding that the classic Disruptive Selection Theory is supported. The study used data from various species of green algae and found that the ratio of larger gametes to smaller ones must be greater than three for males and females to evolve stably.
Researchers developed tiny robots measuring a few millionths of a metre long that can diagnose and treat illness in hard-to-reach areas. The robots could track chemical changes linked to illness onset and deliver targeted drugs with high precision, potentially paving the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
New research from Oregon State University reveals that a heat-tolerant Symbiodinium species may not be able to form a healthy partnership with corals, exacerbating the threat of climate change. The study used an established model system, sea anemones, to test the hypothesis.
Penn researchers have developed a method to mimic the solar transformation process of giant clams to improve the production of biofuel. By controlling the size and optical properties of nanoparticles, they can efficiently convert sunlight into energy, mimicking the iridocytes found in giant clam shells.
A team of scientists has identified a specific group of giant bacteria, Epulopiscium, that dominate the intestines of Red Sea surgeonfish and enable them to digest different types of algae. The discovery sheds light on the basis of surgeonfish diversity and provides a valuable genetic resource for developing algal-based biofuels.
Scientists from the University of Minnesota found that excessively fertilized lakes in Iowa had low algae growth due to the destructive effect of nitrate particles, resulting in increased water clarity. This study suggests that relying on water clarity to gauge water quality may not be effective in all regions.
The Colorado State University team aims to increase algal cultivation productivity, optimize biomass composition, and extract different types of algal lipids to reduce upgrading costs. The goal is to double the yield of biofuel precursors from algae to around 3,700 gallons per acre per year.
Scientists have created Algal droplet bioreactors on a chip that can screen millions of cells for improved growth rates and lipid content. The technology holds promise for accelerating the discovery of super algal strains that can efficiently produce biofuels, potentially making commercial-scale production a reality.
Two studies of green algae reveal details about their ability to concentrate carbon dioxide from the air. Researchers found that the pyrenoid, a key organelle in photosynthesis, behaves like a liquid droplet that can dissolve and condense during cell division.
Parrotfish rotationally harvest their favorite food, creating pockets of space without turf algae that enable tiny coral larvae to settle and grow. This behavior supports coral reef health by reducing the harmful impact of turf algae.
Research has found that ancient coral reefs were bolstered by their bond with red algae, which also strengthens them today. The study suggests that understanding this relationship is crucial for preserving coral reefs in the face of climate change.
A new study found that water quality of lakes in the Midwest and Northeast US has not overwhelmingly degraded or improved over recent decades, with only a small percentage experiencing clearer conditions. The researchers suggest that management practices are holding the line, but large-scale problems require a bigger picture approach.
A new study reveals that the chloroplast lineage split from its closest cyanobacterial ancestor over 2.1 billion years ago in low salinity environments, marking a crucial step in photosynthesis evolution. The association of the chloroplast with its eukaryotic host took place around 800-750 million years ago in marine environments.
Researchers used algae modeling to study competing ideologies and their survival rates. They found that a balance between offensive and defensive strategies is key, with a 50-50 mix being the most effective.
A team of scientists from Drexel University has discovered a dinosaur-era plant, Lychnothamnus barbatus, alive in North America for the first time. The species was previously thought to be extinct and is now found in lakes across Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Researchers at Washington State University developed a unique biofilm reactor that efficiently grows algae in days, not weeks. The system uses recycled gases, less water, and lower light than traditional reactors, producing algae rich in fats suitable for biodiesel production.
The Porphyra genome revealed insights into its survival in extreme environments, including ultraviolet protection and thermal tolerance. The research also found a reduced cytoskeleton and unique signaling molecules that contribute to the species' small stature.
Scientists have identified a phylogenetically old alga's hydrogen-producing enzyme, which shares characteristics with its bacterial counterpart. The study reveals that these enzymes are used for light-driven generation of hydrogen in green algae.
Scientists have long known algae are crucial to human life and ecology, but a new review reveals they hold secrets to biofuels, therapeutic compounds, and climate change resilience. Advances in molecular techniques are unlocking major genetic processes shaping algal evolution.
A $1.875 million EDGE program award will help Virginia Weis study the microscale mechanisms behind coral-algal symbiosis, a key component of coral reef ecosystems threatened by environmental stress and climate change. The project aims to develop new genomic tools and techniques for understanding coral health and stress.
Researchers have mapped the genome of C. zofingiensis, a green alga that produces astaxanthin, an antioxidant with potential health benefits. The study reveals critical genes and enzymes for producing astaxanthin, which could lead to advances in biofuels and medicine.
Researchers used time-lapse photography to study interactions between predatory fishes, urchins, and algae in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The findings show that triggerfish control pencil urchin abundance, affecting algae consumption, while green urchins are not preyed upon by fish.
Scientists successfully completed the first EPA-approved outdoor field trial for genetically engineered algae, testing a strain in real-world conditions without adverse impact on native populations. The study demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating genetically engineered algae outdoors while maintaining engineered traits.
A green alga living in the cells of spotted salamanders undergoes molecular changes that stress its energy production, while salamander cells remain unaffected. The symbiotic relationship is unusual and may have implications for other symbiotic systems.
Researchers found that two species of triggerfish control pencil urchin populations, reducing their consumption of algae. This mid-level predator has a strong impact on the coastal ecosystems' vitality.
A recent study by Waseda University researchers found that the glaucophyte Cyanophora paradoxa has metabolic interactions with respiration similar to those in cyanobacteria. This suggests that cyanelles retain many characteristics of their ancestral cyanobacteria, challenging current understanding of algae evolution.
Researchers found that competition among grazers, such as herbivorous fishes and algae, structures the space use patterns and feeding behaviors of bulletheads. The study suggests that predation risk has a limited impact on prey foraging behaviors in areas with high levels of competition.
Researchers have discovered the evolutionary history of cyanobacteria, the microorganisms responsible for 'inventing' oxygen-producing photosynthesis. The study found that Oxyphobacteria were the only group to evolve this process, with oxygenic photosynthesis arising around 2.3 billion years ago.
Researchers found that melt ponds in Arctic waters provide a nutrient-rich environment for algae and bacteria to grow, supporting marine life. This increase in productivity could lead to more food available for creatures such as seals, sea cucumbers, and fish in the polar seas.
A new study by University of Cologne researchers reveals that herbivores have a significant positive impact on plant biodiversity. The interaction between nutrient availability and consumer species diversity is found to be crucial in maintaining producer diversity, highlighting the importance of preserving this balance for ecosystem he...
Research suggests that phytoplankton can rapidly adapt to global warming by increasing photosynthesis rates, leading to increased oxygen production and a more stable food supply for aquatic life. The study monitored green algae in waters warmed by four degrees centigrade above ambient temperature over ten years.
Scientists have discovered the world's oldest plant-like fossils, estimated to be 1.6 billion years old, in sedimentary rocks in central India. The findings suggest that advanced multicellular life evolved much earlier than previously thought, challenging our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth.
New research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology finds that organic additives in road salt alternatives act as fertilizers, boosting algae growth and increasing zooplankton populations. This can have both desirable and undesirable effects on aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the need for further study.
Researchers have developed a method to inhibit hazardous seawater fouling using cerium dioxide nanoparticles, mimicking the natural defense mechanism of algae. The particles block bacterial communication and prevent biofilm formation, making them an eco-friendly alternative to copper-based biocides.
A Griffith University study found that increased CO2 emissions will cause algae to outcompete and poison coral in the Great Barrier Reef. If left unchecked, this could lead to significant reef degradation and death by 2100.
A new study reveals that parrotfish play a vital role in maintaining healthy coral reefs. When parrotfish were more abundant, the reef grew faster and remained healthier due to their algae-eating habits. The research suggests that conserving parrotfish populations is essential for protecting corals.
Researchers have discovered that vitamin B-12 exists in two forms in the oceans, with cyanobacteria producing a "pseudo" version that's not usable by other organisms. This finding has implications for how algae and other marine life access this essential nutrient.
A new collaborative project is using a unique climate-simulating laboratory system to quickly identify promising algae strains for renewable fuels. The Algae DISCOVR Project aims to reduce the cost and time needed to move promising algal strains from the laboratory to production.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati studied pink snow algae growing on volcanic terrains in the Pacific Northwest, finding it can lower albedo and increase surface melting. The study suggests atmospheric sources of ammonia and nitrate may be driving the growth and survival of these algae.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that growing multiple algal species helps stabilize biocrude production and makes the system more reliable. However, competition among species often causes mixtures to produce less biocrude than individual species.
Researchers found small algae-grazing sea urchins and parrotfish may take the place of larger grazers to prevent algae from overgrowing reefs. These tiny organisms, comprising up to 95% of grazing biomass, can preempt shifts from coral to algae on degraded reefs.
Scientists have developed a method to predict full-scale algae blooms in lakes and reservoirs, enabling resource managers to take action before they develop. Automated monitoring systems that identify regime shifts can detect early warnings more than two weeks prior to the bloom.
Scientists at Princeton University have discovered a vibrational resonance mechanism that enables the efficient transfer of light energy in cryptophyte algae. This finding provides valuable insights for designing artificial light-harvesting systems, potentially leading to more efficient solar energy collectors.
Cryptophyte algae have been found to harness light energy at an unprecedented rate, thanks to the ability of molecular vibrations to enhance photon absorption. This discovery has potential applications in developing more efficient light-harvesting technologies, such as sensors and communication systems.
Researchers analyzed feeding behaviors of 15 common species of algae-eating fish to understand their role in maintaining coral reef health. The study found that individual species selectively graze on different types of algae and in varying ways.
Researchers found complex and active life under the ice in over 100 lakes, with productivity exceeding summer levels in some cases. This discovery complicates understanding of freshwater systems as climate change warms lakes worldwide.
Researchers found wild chimpanzees in Guinea using long and robust sticks as tools to extract freshwater green algae from streams and ponds. This new behaviour variant differs from previous reports and suggests that algae provide an important nutritional benefit during the dry season.