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Scientists led by NTU Singapore produce oils from microalgae that could replace palm oil in food production

Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a method to produce and extract oils from a type of common microalgae, which are edible and have superior properties as those found in palm oil. The newly discovered method would serve as a healthier and greener alternative to palm oil.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2022

When variations in Earth's orbit drive biological evolution

Scientists found that variations in Earth's orbit drive cycles of higher and lower diversity in coccolithophore size and shape, with rhythms of 100 and 400 thousand years. This influence may have played a role in ancient climates and climate variations during past warm periods.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2021

Ramanome Database can help mining microalgal cell factories for reducing carbon emissions

Researchers have developed a Ramanome Database to rapidly identify and characterize microalgae, which can convert carbon dioxide into valuable compounds. The database achieves 97% accuracy in identifying species and their metabolic functions, accelerating the mining of microalgal cell factories for carbon-neutral production.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2021

ALPALGA: The search for mountain snow microalgae

Researchers have established the first map of snow microalgae distribution along elevation, revealing different species thrive at varying altitudes. The study aims to answer fundamental questions about these organisms' survival, blooms, and impact on snowmelt.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJun 7, 2021

Genome scalpel invented for industrial microalgae to efficiently turn CO2into biofuel

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a 'genome scalpel' to efficiently produce sustainable biofuels from sunlight and CO2 by removing non-essential genes from microalgae. This approach could lead to more efficient production of biomolecules like biofuels, with potential applications in renewable energy and redu...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMar 17, 2021

Making protein 'superfood' from marine algae

A team of researchers at Flinders University has developed a sustainable way to produce protein 'superfoods' from marine algae. The process involves cultivating single-cell organisms from the ocean and converting them into healthy cell patties, chips, pastes, jams, and even caviar.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateJan 21, 2021

Scientists establish NanDeSyn Database to support international cooperation on industrial microalgae

The NanDeSyn Database collects and integrates functional genomics data for industrial microalgae, including genome sequences, gene annotations, and transcriptomes. This will facilitate research cooperation among the global Nannochloropsis community to develop the microalgae as a chassis for photosynthetic production of oils.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 26, 2020

Boost to develop microalgae into health foods

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel protocol to detect lipid production in microalgae, enabling the mass production of omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy compounds. The technique improves on traditional fluorescent probes, allowing for easy and rapid evaluation of lipid conditions within microalgae.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers·DateOct 14, 2020

Coral's resilience to warming may depend on iron

A new study suggests that limited iron levels in corals could impair their ability to respond to climate change. High water temperatures and low iron availability compromise the algae living within coral cells, leading to reduced growth and function.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Phycology·DateSep 30, 2020

Nutrients in microalgae: An environmentally friendly alternative to fish

A new study by scientists from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that microalgae farming has a similar environmental impact to fish production, but produces more omega-3 fatty acids per unit area. This could lead to a more sustainable source of essential nutrients for humans and reduce pressure on the world's oceans.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·DateJul 7, 2020

Iron deficiency in corals?

Microalgae in coral cells may compensate with other metals when iron is limited, potentially affecting vital biological functions. Research found that different species of microalgae acquire other trace metals in unique quantities, which could have cascading effects on coral health.

SourcePenn State·JournalCoral Reefs·DateApr 23, 2020

Scientists turn back evolutionary clock to develop high-CO2-tolerant microalgae

A team of scientists has developed a way to improve the tolerance of industrial oil-producing microalgae to high levels of CO2, allowing them to grow faster and more efficiently in flue gas environments. This breakthrough could have significant implications for carbon fixation, food production, and future space exploration.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateMar 24, 2019

Biorefining of microalgae

A team of researchers at the University of Konstanz is developing an integrated biorefining process to produce chemical building blocks from microalgae. The process uses supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent and aims to simplify the extraction stage, making it more eco-friendly and efficient.

Ambush in a petri dish

A team of researchers from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology has made a groundbreaking discovery about the chemical communication between algae and bacteria. The study reveals that a specific lipopeptide, orfamide A, plays a central role in this process.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Gutters teem with inconspicuous life

Scientists discovered that Parisian street gutters are home to a diverse community of microorganisms, including eukaryotes such as algae, fungi, sponges, and mollusks. The researchers identified over 6,900 potential species in the water and biofilms collected from various districts of Paris.

SourceCNRS·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 13, 2017

Mercury is altering gene expression

Researchers measured the effect of low-level mercury concentrations on microalga gene expression, revealing widespread deregulation of genes involved in various processes. This study provides insight into the environmental and public health implications of mercury's entry into the food chain.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2017

Biofuel produced by microalgae

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have identified the key enzymes responsible for oil synthesis in microalgae. The research reveals that four lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases (LPATs) play a crucial role in the formation and growth of lipid droplets, where TAG biosynthesis occurs.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

A better way to farm algae

A new technology for energy-efficient cultivation and harvesting of microalgae has been developed by Bendy Estime, improving growth rates up to 10 times larger than traditional methods. The Tris-Acetate-Phosphate-Pluronic medium allows algae to grow in clusters without sticking to container walls, eliminating the need for constant stir...

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 30, 2017

Microalgae -- a promising future resource?

Microalgae have tremendous potential in industrial biotechnology due to their applications in food, medications, and environmental biotechnology. The University of Cologne's new method using Porous Substrate Bioreactors (PSBR) reduces liquid consumption by up to 100 times, making it more cost-efficient and energy-saving.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateJul 13, 2016