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Algae: The final frontier

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJun 21, 2017

How plankton cope with turbulence

Researchers discovered how plankton cope with turbulent layers in the ocean. Plankton cells change their shape from asymmetric to egg-shaped structures, allowing them to swim downwards and avoid damage. This adaptation provides an evolutionary advantage for the population, as only half of the cells are affected by turbulence.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2017

Oceans act as 'heat sink'

A new study by the University of Delaware and colleagues reveals that oceans play a crucial role in absorbing excess heat from the atmosphere, redistributing it within the Earth system. This redistribution explains the observed decrease in global mean surface temperature, considered a key indicator of climate change.