All articles tagged with #algae
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Earth.com
Scientists discovered a giant, dormant virus called punuivirus in algae that can integrate into host DNA and potentially be used for advanced gene editing tools, revealing new insights into virus behavior and microbial evolution.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Phys.org
Researchers used advanced imaging and machine learning to uncover the intricate, foam-like structure of the extracellular matrix in Volvox algae, revealing how simple cells coordinate to form complex, spherical multicellular organisms despite noisy individual behaviors, providing new insights into developmental biology.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Daily Express US
The Sea of Galilee turned blood red, sparking fears of biblical omens, but scientists explained it was caused by harmless algae and natural wind phenomena that could have also explained the biblical story of the Red Sea crossing.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by LADbible
The Sea of Galilee in Israel has turned blood red due to natural algae, sparking religious fears and symbolic interpretations related to biblical prophecies, though scientists confirm the change is harmless.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by IFLScience
Most people believe oil comes from dinosaurs, but it actually originates from tiny algae and plankton that were buried and transformed over millions of years, not from dinosaurs themselves.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Space
Scientists have successfully grown algae inside biodegradable bioplastic chambers under simulated Martian conditions, demonstrating a potential method for creating self-sustaining habitats on Mars that could produce more bioplastic and support long-term space colonization.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The Daily Galaxy
Harvard scientists have successfully grown algae in Mars-like conditions using bioplastic habitats, paving the way for sustainable, self-sufficient space habitats that could support future colonization efforts on Mars and beyond.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Defector
Biophysicist Dakota McCoy and her team have discovered that the heart cockle clam, Corculum cardissa, has shell structures that function like fiber optic cables, allowing beneficial sunlight to penetrate and sustain algae living inside. This natural phenomenon, reminiscent of stained glass windows, was detailed in a recent Nature Communications paper, highlighting the clam's unique adaptation long before human engineering achieved similar results.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Livescience.com
The Sivash region in Crimea, known as the 'putrid sea,' features a series of colorful, hypersaline lagoons that emit a rotten egg-like smell due to algae blooms. These lagoons, rich in minerals and home to diverse wildlife, are protected under the International Convention of Wetlands. The area has historical significance, having been a strategic site during the Russian Civil War. Currently, the region is under Russian control following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NPR
Researchers have discovered that the heart cockle mollusc uses its shell structure to channel sunlight to its symbiotic algae, similar to fiber optic cables. This natural adaptation allows the mollusc to provide more beneficial sunlight while minimizing harmful UV exposure, potentially explaining its resilience compared to corals during heat stress. The findings could inspire advancements in fiber optic technology and strategies to protect coral reefs.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by ScienceAlert
Engineers at the University of Tokyo have developed micromachines powered by single-celled algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which can autonomously move without external power sources. These tiny vehicles, designed to navigate viscous fluids like blood, could pave the way for advanced microrobots capable of delivering drugs or performing repairs inside the human body, fulfilling a vision first imagined by physicist Richard Feynman in 1959.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by IFLScience
Scientists have discovered giant viruses on the Greenland ice sheet, which may help control algal blooms that accelerate ice melt. These viruses, significantly larger than typical viruses, could play a crucial role in regulating algae and protecting the ice. Further research is needed to understand their full impact and potential benefits.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Phys.org
Researchers have discovered giant viruses on the Greenland ice sheet that may help control algae blooms, which darken the ice and accelerate melting. These viruses, larger and more complex than typical viruses, could potentially reduce ice melt and mitigate some effects of global warming. Further research is needed to understand their specific roles and effectiveness.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by IFLScience
The sailor's eyeball alga, Valonia ventricosa, is one of the largest single-celled organisms on Earth. These curious blobs, found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world's oceans, are unicellular but can contain the nuclei of many cells. If popped, they can grow into new organisms from just one cell nucleus. Their unique structure and shimmering coloration make them stand out, resembling a Tesla plasma ball. So, let's appreciate these fascinating creatures and avoid popping them.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by IFLScience
Contrary to popular belief, oil is not made from dinosaurs. Instead, it is formed from the remains of trillions of tiny algae and plankton that died millions of years ago and were buried under layers of sediment. Over time, these organic materials were "cooked" under high pressure and low oxygen conditions, transforming into the sticky black oil we use today. While marine dinosaurs may have ended up at the bottom of the ocean after death, they would not have been converted into oil themselves due to the need for an oxygen-deprived environment.