Algae can break down cellulose

Researchers at Bielefeld University have found that the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, not only engages in photosynthesis, but can also obtain energy from other plants. The research focused on growing algae in a low-C02 environment and how the plants responded to such a shortage.  In these conditions the algae drew energy from neighbouring vegetable cellulose found in plant matted. Read more...

Scanning electron microscope image, showing an example of green algae (Chlorophyta). Chlamydomanas reinhardtii is a unicellular flagellate used as a model system in molecular genetics work and flagellar motility studies. Smith, E.F and P.A. Lefebvre (1996) "PF16 Encodes a Protein with Armadillo Repeats and Localizes to a Single Microtubule of the Central Apparatus in Chlamydomonas Flagella", J. Cell Biology, 132(3): 359-370 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Award for USA/Taiwan coral reef program

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography granted award to establish international coral reef programme.  The aquarium in San Diego, USA along with its sister aquarium, Taiwan's National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, have been awarded a highly competitive 2012 Museums Connect grant to connect youth in both countries to the challenge of saving these crucial marine ecosystems.

Read more…

English: A Blue Starfish (Linckia laevigata) resting on hard Acropora coral. Lighthouse, Ribbon Reefs, Great Barrier Reef (Photo credit: Wikipedia)