Algae: Salt vs fresh water

A new piece of research conducted at the University of San Diego, USA has concluded that algae grows just as well in salt water as it does in fresh. The news will be welcomed by algae fuel producers, who face high water costs. Read more...

Algae(?), 600x (Photo credit: smaller.pathological.ca)

Red algae closes Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach, Sydneym Australia was closed to the public on yesterday after the sea turned red with algae. The beach as been closed amid fears the algae could cause skin irritation. Watch the video... 

English: The Bondi Beach, Sydney (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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)

BioMarine Business Convention final report online

The final report from the BioMarine Business Convention is now available online. The report includes the proceedings from the five think tanks and a round. Invaluable to those who were there, interesting for those who weren't. Download the report and view photos from the convention here.

Cosmetics from IMTA kelp

A new cosmetic product made from IMTA seaweeds is causing a stir. Exsymol S.A.M., Monaco, has been working with Dr Theirry Chopin, an IMTA expert based in Canada to develop a multi-use product from the kelp, Alaria esculenta. The kelp is grown at the IMTA sites of Cooke Aquaculture Inc. in the Bay of Fundy. Exsymtal® has a variety of applications based on its anti-aging, anti-pollution/anti-stress, dermis filler and dermis renewal properties.
More information...

Kelp (Photo credit: Wikipedia)