Amazing algae photos

Check out these stunning images of an algae farm in Western Australia. Hutt Lagoon is about 14 km long by 2k m wide and around 1 m deep. Photographer, Steve Back took the pictures from above, showcasing the amazing pinky red algal blooms. 

The micro-organisms produce beta-carotene, which has a multitude of applications including ice-cream and nutritional supplements for pregnant women.

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You can see more of Back's work here.

Hutt Lagoon (Photo credit: kid_wendy)

BioMarine Business Convention

The BioMarine Business Convention takes place in Halifax, Canada September 9-12, 2013. The programme will have three themes: Marine Natural Products, Aquaculture and Aquafeed, and Marine Bio-Technologies. The programme will comprise of a series of interactive sessions, multiple networking opportunities, and key notes from international senior executives, top experts and dignitaries.

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English: Canadian Horseshoe Falls with city of Buffalo, US in background. Clicked from Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Using seaweed in hair products

Cargill has been quick to get involved in the growing interest in the natural personal care market.

Studies show that the natural personal care market grew by nearly 15 percent annually between 2005 and 2010, compared to 4 percent for the overall market. Growth is strong in all regions, with Brazil leading the charge. In Europe, the largest region, Germany is the most developed market for natural beauty products. 

Cargill has developed an ingredient from seaweed which can be used in hair products to add texture. Beatural is can be used to develop beauty products made with natural polymers. This technology was originally used in food texturisers to the personal care category.

Marie-Laure Roumiguière, Pharma & Personal Care Category Manager at Cargill, discusses the shape of the market and how it is changing.

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English: Hair gel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)