Collaborate Disseminate
Scientists have discovered the largest known protein in biology. Given the fun name of PKZILLA-1, the protein was found in algae cells and helps them make toxins that are responsible for mass killings of fish.
Tags: Protein, World’s Largest, UC San Diego, Algae, toxic, Chemistry
Continue reading Largest protein in nature discovered in algae toxin
From dog sleds to horse-drawn carts, animals have been pulling vehicles for thousands of years. Now, scientists at the University of Tokyo have made what might be the smallest version ever, designing microscopic vehicles that can be pulled by single-ce… Continue reading Watch: World’s smallest chariot pulled along by single-celled algae
If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a pill full of tiny algae robots may be just what you need. The bio-hybrid microrobots have already been shown to reduce symptoms and promote healing in IBD-afflicted lab mice.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Algae cells recruited to serve as bowel-disease-treating robots
When it comes to protein sources that are more eco-friendly than traditional livestock, two of the most promising candidates are insects and microalgae. Scientists have now devised a method of using waste from the former as food for the latter.Continue… Continue reading Protein-rich microalgae is cooked up by some unlikely wild chefs
The first land plants burst forth from ancient algae onto the Earth about 550 million years ago. This one-off evolutionary event, known as plant terrestrialization, fundamentally changed the planet’s surface and atmosphere and made possible the develop… Continue reading ‘Genetic programs’ allowed the ancestor of all plants to conquer dry land
Scientists have caught a once-in-a-billion-years evolutionary event in progress, as two lifeforms have merged into one organism that boasts abilities its peers would envy. Last time this happened, Earth got plants.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Sci… Continue reading Two lifeforms merge in once-in-a-billion-years evolutionary event
Thanks to a recent discovery regarding marine algae, scientists have developed crop plants that absorb a fuller spectrum of sunlight, resulting in better growth. The finding could also lead to increased production of biofuels.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Algae-gene-boosted crop plants grow better by using more light
Whether they’re in machines, buildings or aircraft, it’s always helpful to know if components are undergoing mechanical stress. A new material could quickly and easily let inspection personnel know, utilizing integrated glowing algae.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Material made of live glowing algae could be used in stress sensors
Researchers have used plasma technology to transform a species of blue-green microalgae into a bioactive coating with incredible wound-healing properties. They say the novel coating can be applied to dressings and medical devices to protect patients fr… Continue reading Plasma tech transforms blue-green algae into a wound-healing wonder
Concrete is a huge contributor to worldwide CO2 emissions, and Concrete Masonry Units (aka cinder blocks or breeze blocks) make up a significant part of this. However, a new project by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), in collaboration with Prometheus … Continue reading Algae-based blocks could make for a more sustainable building