Articles tagged with Seaweeds
A new USF-led study found a dramatic decline in some historic sargassum populations due to ocean warming and changes in their distribution. This shift could affect the health of marine ecosystems as sargassum supports high biodiversity for various marine species.
A team of international marine scientists urges reform to licensing and regulation of coastal restoration projects. The authors argue outdated systems hinder progress toward ambitious global targets to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
Researchers have developed new eDNA tools to quantify kelp-derived biomass in sediments below commercial kelp farms. The study confirms that kelp aquaculture has little impact on the seafloor community and provides evidence for using eDNA to examine 'blue carbon' accounting efforts.
A new study finds that sargassum seaweed can significantly slow down sea turtle hatchlings in Florida, increasing their risk of predation and heat exposure. Researchers found that even small amounts of sargassum can impede hatchlings' progress, with leatherbacks taking 54% longer to crawl through light sargassum.
Brazilian researchers have developed a ceramic clay that is lighter than traditional materials by adding algae from the Sargassum genus. The addition of sargassum reduced the apparent density of lightweight ceramic clay aggregates, improving thermal comfort and reducing environmental harm.
A landmark review published by FAU reveals that sargassum is a rapidly growing and widely distributed marine organism. The study found that the Atlantic Ocean's sargassum biomass has increased by over 50% since the 1980s, with nitrogen content rising sharply.
A team of whale experts discovered that southern resident killer whales regularly use lengths of bull kelp as tools to groom each other during social interactions. The whales fashion the tools by breaking off the ends of kelp stalks and then press them against a partner, rolling them between their bodies for long periods.
Research reveals thousands of chemical compounds derived from coral reefs and seaweeds are available for microbial decomposition and utilization. Microbes can break down previously thought-to-be-harder-to-degrade chemicals, such as benzene rings and steroids.
Researchers discovered that certain marine diatom species can thrive on a diet of seaweed and decaying plant matter due to the acquisition of a bacterial gene. This adaptation allowed them to break down alginate, a carbon polymer in seaweed cell walls, enabling the diatoms to survive without photosynthesis.
The discovery challenges our understanding of seaweed in a changing ocean and has implications for predicting its future. The giant clone, found to be a single species with millions of individuals, thrives in low-salinity waters and provides habitat for various marine life.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that feeding grazing beef cattle a seaweed supplement reduced their methane emissions by nearly 40% without affecting health or weight. The study provides a promising approach to make cattle farming more sustainable and play a role in fighting climate change.
Researchers at Chalmers University have found a new way to extract proteins from sea lettuce three times more efficiently than before. The breakthrough brings the plant-based alternative closer to affordability and scalability. Sea lettuce also contains essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.
A new experimental study has found that cockroaches and maggots can efficiently break down invasive seaweed into a high-quality compost. This discovery offers promising prospects for the bio-recycling of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae and its management in circular economy applications.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that foaming plastic carriers promote 44 times more biofilm formation, enhancing wastewater treatment. Adding waste biomass further improves performance, especially in nitrate removal during the moving bed biofilm reactor process.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Ecklonia cava polyphenols can protect against neurodegeneration and improve motor function in Parkinson's disease model mice. The antioxidants activate the AMPK enzyme and inhibit reactive oxygen species production, reducing neuronal cell death.
A new study found that high doses of red seaweed reduce methane emissions in cows, but the effect is short-lived. The researchers discovered that the seaweed inhibits methanogenic microbes, leading to a near-total elimination of a key microbe involved in methane formation.
Researchers predict that climate change will drive a substantial redistribution of brown seaweeds and seagrasses globally, with potential expansions into Arctic and Antarctic regions. The loss of these habitat-forming marine macrophytes can trigger cascading effects on other species, compromising the integrity of entire ecosystems.
Scientists from the University of East Anglia and other institutions review the climatic effectiveness of four 'nature-based' techniques using marine biological processes. They conclude that these activities cannot provide a significant contribution to carbon dioxide removal, posing risks to meaningful climate mitigation.
Researchers tracked and studied sargassum, a prolific seaweed swamping shorelines and causing environmental harm. The study found that the biochemical composition of sargassum is consistent throughout the year, but processing methods affect other components.
Kobe University researchers have discovered that the shimmering effect in some brown algae is due to the presence of tiny, uniform-sized spheres within cells called iridescent bodies. These microspheres reflect green light more than other colors, resulting in the alga's characteristic shine.
A new study suggests that incorporating seafood rich in umami, such as fish and shellfish, into vegetable dishes can boost their flavor and make them more appealing. The research uses a mathematical equation to calculate the umami content of various seafood options, finding that even small amounts can greatly enhance the taste.
Researchers discovered that Acanthophora spicifera extracts inhibit Vibrio coralliilyticus growth and improve survival rates in Ostrea edulis larvae. The study highlights the potential of natural compounds from seaweeds as an alternative to antibiotics for aquaculture disease control.
Researchers at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute will survey Sargassum inundation sites using drones and remotely operated vehicles, then conduct aerial images and on-the-ground morphometrics. They aim to test the viability of harvesting Sargassum without harming marine animals.
A recent analysis of six species of seaweeds found in Hawaii reveals that they are rich in essential minerals and nutrients, yet may also contain unsafe levels of heavy metals. The study highlights the need for regulation and informed cooking practices to ensure nutritious and safe seaweed products.
A team of scientists from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an artificial vitreous body based on alginate to treat retinal detachment. The hydrogel maintains vision post-surgery and regulates fluid dynamics within the eye, preventing recurrence and air bubble formation.
A new study suggests Mexico can grow its economy by building biorefineries to produce biofuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals from abundant organic waste materials. The research promotes the adoption of sustainable practices to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals 8-12.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a new method to extract better alginate from cultivated kelp by using epimerases. This breakthrough allows for cost-effective production and opens up new market opportunities, benefiting both the kelp farmers and the industry.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel, low-cost hydrogel using seaweed extract that prevents wound expansion and promotes healing. The hydrogel demonstrates significantly lower adhesion and swelling compared to conventional hydrogels, making it an excellent alternative for treating skin wounds.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks team is exploring whether seaweeds can absorb rare-earth elements, with the goal of expanding the US supply and finding a low-impact alternative to mining. The project aims to determine if seaweeds can accumulate metals in concentrations that make financial recovery viable.
A new type of algal threat is displacing corals globally due to blocking sunlight and producing harmful chemicals. Peyssonnelioid alga crusts are expanding quickly across reefs, killing off corals and transforming entire ecosystems.
Researchers have found definitive evidence that ancient Europeans ate seaweed and freshwater plants, which were previously considered marginal or non-edible. The study suggests these resources could be reintroduced into modern diets to address health and environmental issues.
Researchers found that humpback whales worldwide were observed rolling with and playing in clumps of kelp and seaweed at the water's surface. The behavior may serve benefits in ectoparasite removal, skin treatment, and socializing.
A study found that ocean acidification reduced the strength and density of fleshy seaweed tissues, making them more fragile and susceptible to damage. The research suggests that this could have drastic effects on coastal ecosystems, leading to a decrease in seaweed coverage and negatively impacting organisms dependent on these habitats.
A review article proposes zero-waste methodologies to convert 100% of marine macroalgae (seaweed) into cosmetics ingredients using industrially available green technology. This enables the cosmetics industry to meet environmental sustainability and ESG requirements, while leveraging the potential of Brazilian seaweed.
A study suggests that global seaweed farming may not be feasible due to the vast ocean areas needed to capture sufficient carbon. To harvest one gigatonne of seaweed-captured carbon annually, over one million square kilometres of productive EEZ waters are required.
Research suggests that seaweed farming could be a game-changer for addressing food insecurity globally. By reducing the need for land, freshwater, and chemical fertilizers, seaweed cultivation can lead to higher incomes for farmers in coastal regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. As demand for nutrient-rich seaweed products grows world...
Scientists have found that 10 years of underwater seaweed forest restoration has helped a damaged ecosystem regrow to richness and strength comparable to undisturbed forests. The restored locality showed greater structural complexity, species with longer lifespans, and increased biodiversity, indicating long-term recovery.
Researchers found that using seaweed coverage as an indicator of reef health is flawed and may even hide signs of stress. Local species behave differently in response to human impacts, making it crucial for scientists to develop new methods to assess reef health.
Expanding seaweed farming could reduce demand for terrestrial crops and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 billion tonnes per year. The study identified millions of available hectares of ocean suitable for farming, with the Indonesian EEZ showing great potential.
Moffitt researchers found that administering oral L-fucose increases TILs, reduces tumor growth, and enhances immunotherapy efficacy in animal models. Higher L-fucose levels in melanomas are associated with less aggressive disease and better responses to therapy.
A new species record of mesophotic kelp was discovered in the Galapagos Islands, characterized by its extensive and dense kelp forest at depths of ~50m. The research highlights the importance of these forests as ecosystem engineers and supports for marine life, with potential implications for carbon sequestration.
Researchers discovered that brown algae's fucoidan can remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the global cycle in the long term. The fucoidan is a recalcitrant molecule that does not return to the atmosphere quickly, making the brown algae particularly effective in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Researchers developed a natural material derived from seaweed to promote vascular cell growth and prevent blood clots in heart bypass surgery. Fucoidan, a seaweed-derived compound, was added to synthetic blood vessels using nanotechnology, significantly reducing the chances of clots forming.
Brown algae's unique pigments have evolved through a complex genetic pathway, enabling them to harness more light energy than green plants. This discovery could lead to insights into fucoxanthin's health applications and improved photosynthetic efficiency for biofuels production.
A new genus and species of algae called Protocodium sinense has been discovered in China, providing new insight into the early diversification of the plant kingdom. The fossils are remarkably modern-looking and suggest that green algae were already established in shallow waters as carbon dioxide recyclers and oxygen producers before th...
Kelp forests, which sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon, may struggle to trap it due to accelerating decomposition rates in warmer waters. A study found that sea temperature has a strong influence on decomposition rates, with kelp fragments degrading more slowly in cooler waters.
A team of scientists has discovered that idoteas, tiny marine creatures, play a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of red algae by pollinating them. This unique interaction not only aids the alga's reproduction but also provides the idotea with food and shelter.
Researchers found that a species of red seaweed uses an isopod crustacean to transfer its male gametes for fertilization, presenting a new class of animal-mediated male gamete movement. This discovery expands the concept of 'pollination' beyond seed plants.
Researchers from OIST developed a PCR test that detects nine sex-determining genes in Okinawa mozuku germlings, enabling the identification of male and female haploid and diploid stages. This allows for crossbreeding to create heat-tolerant strains, improving yields and addressing issues with detachment and contamination.
A study by Swansea University found that people find structures with a wide variety of sea life to be more visually pleasing and interesting, as well as more likely to relieve stress. The research suggests that designing seawalls to support biodiversity can benefit both wildlife and human wellbeing.
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 new Michigan Medicine study suggests that genes from oceanic bacteria have entered the human gut microbiome, enabling digestion of seaweed polysaccharides. The research found that these genes are more common than previously recognized and are linked to the ability to process certain seaweed-derived sugars.
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.
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 have developed a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator that mimics the movement of seaweed to efficiently convert surface and underwater waves into electricity. The device has been shown to generate power even at low water pressures, making it suitable for powering marine sensors in coastal zones.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered seahorses can move their head up to catch prey at incredible speeds, facilitated by a powerful flow of water and spring-like mechanism. This study sheds light on the ecology of seahorses, revealing that longer noses enable stronger suction currents for catching smaller prey.
Researchers from Tel Aviv and Berkeley Universities propose a model for seaweed farms to absorb nitrogen, reducing pollution in estuarine and marine environments. The study shows that these farms can produce a natural decontamination facility with significant ecological and economic value.
Researchers have developed ArtSea Ink, a colorful seaweed-based ink for 2D and 3D art that is biodegradable and stable over time. The ink uses mica pigments in alginate to create vibrant, pearlescent colors.
Researchers found that consuming sugar kelp inhibits hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and promotes healthier gut microbiomes, supporting the nutritional benefits of locally-grown seaweed for health and disease prevention
Researchers at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology discovered that red seaweed contains sugars that serve as food for probiotic bacteria, improving gut health. The study found that these sugars, particularly agarotriose and AHG, inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cells.