Research uncovers new threat from harmful algae
Harmful algae could be producing substances which affect reproduction in organisms with similar genetic characteristics as humans according to groundbreaking new research.
A scientist from the University of Plymouth has discovered that algae release substances which interfere with the activity of reproductive hormones in some fish.
Dr. Ted Henry, an ecotoxicologist at the University, has established that toxic algal blooms contain substances other than toxins which pose unexpected environmental risks.
Although it has long been recognized by experts that algae produce toxins with harmful effects, this is the first time research has shown that other substances with potential to disrupt the endocrine system glands which release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate the body may also be present. Scientists had previously believed those changes were caused by human-made pollutants in water.
During controlled tests, Emily Rogers, a PhD student supervised by Dr. Henry, found that zebrafish a model organism used in laboratory experiments exhibited responses consistent with endocrine disruption when fish were exposed to the toxic algae Microcystis, leading to the conclusion that the algae were producing as-yet unidentified substances with estrogenic properties.
The study suggests that algae, although a naturally occurring substance, could contribute to observations of reproductive system dysfunction in wild fish.
It isnt clear yet whether the chemical, which has yet to be isolated or named, might be affecting other fish species, animals or even humans.
Dr. Henry said: More work needs to be done to establish under what conditions the algae produces these substances and how dangerous they are.
The results do indicate that toxic algal blooms may be producing substances with estrogenic properties which affect hormones.
Environmental estrogens are a concern because they could cause feminization of fish and alter behaviors such as reproduction and courtship, ultimately leading to population declines.
Most current strategies for managing toxic algal blooms focus on the toxin, but this research means environmental regulatory agencies may now need to monitor these new substances.
Provided by University of Plymouth
-
From lemons to lemonade: Reaction uses carbon dioxide to make carbon-based semiconductor,
32 comments
-
Thioridazine kills cancer stem cells in human while avoiding toxic side-effects of conventional cancer treatments,
3 comments
-
SpaceX private rocket blasts off for space station (Update),
42 comments
-
Climate scientists say they have solved riddle of rising sea,
30 comments
-
Research team claims to have found evidence Lake Cheko is impact crater for Tunguska Event,
18 comments
-
Hypothetical desert earth
5 hours ago
-
More human population = greater mass?
May 25, 2012
-
Conversion from aircraft bearing to normal degrees
May 23, 2012
-
Interpretation/Analysis of the Lab results(HEPA filter)
May 22, 2012
-
Has anyone here attended the The Urbino Summer School in Paleoclimatology?
May 22, 2012
-
Earthquakes: Mag 6 N. Italy and Mag 5.6 W. Bulgaria
May 21, 2012
- More from Physics Forums - Earth
More news stories
SpaceX capsule has 'new car' smell, astronauts say (Update)
SpaceX's Dragon cargo vessel smells like a new car, said astronauts at the International Space Station after opening the hatches Saturday following the spacecraft's landmark mission to the orbiting lab.
Space & Earth / Space Exploration
18 hours ago |
4.5 / 5 (20) |
0
Astronomers seize last chance in lifetime for Venus Transit
Astronomers are gearing for one the rarest events in the Solar System: an alignment of Earth, Venus and the Sun that will not be seen for another 105 years.
18 hours ago |
5 / 5 (3) |
2
Australia hails surprise super-telescope decision
Australia has hailed a surprise decision giving it a role in a radio telescope project aimed at revolutionising astronomy, vowing to draw on its decades of experience in space science.
18 hours ago |
5 / 5 (4) |
1
Astronauts enter world's 1st private supply ship
(AP) -- Space station astronauts floated into the Dragon on Saturday, a day after its heralded arrival as the world's first commercial supply ship.
Space & Earth / Space Exploration
18 hours ago |
5 / 5 (5) |
0
Sophisticated simulations predict future warming
The chances of our planet being hit by a global warming of 3 degrees Celsius by 2050 is as likely as it being hit by an increase of 1.4 degrees, new research shows. Presented in the journal Nature Geoscience, the British study ...
Space & Earth / Earth Sciences
May 22, 2012 |
4.4 / 5 (9) |
51
Scientist: Evolution debate will soon be history
(AP) -- Richard Leakey predicts skepticism over evolution will soon be history. Not that the avowed atheist has any doubts himself.
Dell tablet leak: 10.1-inch display, two-battery choice
(Phys.org) -- Headline after headline talks about vendors tablets in the wings as likely number-one contenders for the iPad. Such claims have justifiably been taken with a grain of salt, considering ...
SpotterRF debuts Radar Backpack Kit (w/ Video)
(Phys.org) -- SpotterRF has announced a special radar backpack kit designed to enhance situational awareness for soldiers on the ground. The company says its special radar is designed for warfighters as part ...
Thousands of shellfish found dead in Peru
Thousands of crustaceans were found dead off the coast of Lima following the mystery mass death of dolphins and pelicans, the Peruvian Navy said Friday.
Keep food safety in mind this memorial day weekend
(HealthDay) -- Picnics, parades and cookouts are as much a part of Memorial Day weekend as tributes to the United States' war veterans.
Family history of Alzheimer's affects functional connectivity
(HealthDay) -- Cognitively normal individuals with a family history of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) may display lower resting state functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) of the brain, ...