Algae, considered as a biological substance, refers collectively to the biomass or biogenic material derived from photosynthetic, typically aquatic, non-vascular organisms encompassing microalgae (e.g., chlorophytes, diatoms, cyanobacteria in some usages) and macroalgae (seaweeds). This substance is characterized by high concentrations of pigments (such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins), variable macromolecular composition (proteins, polysaccharides, lipids), and often substantial contents of structural or storage polysaccharides (e.g., starch, alginates, carrageenans). Algal biomass is studied as a feedstock for biorefinery applications, including biofuels, bioplastics, nutraceuticals, and as a source of specialized metabolites with defined biochemical and physicochemical properties.
In April 2019, a marine heat wave struck a coral reef on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, killing much of the coral and the beneficial algae that colonized it. This "bleaching" event reduced live coral populations ...
Plants & Animals
Mar 11, 2026
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An international team of researchers has uncovered a remarkable molecular trick used by a unique group of land plants, one that could eventually be engineered into crops like wheat and rice to dramatically boost how efficiently ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Mar 5, 2026
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Researchers in Hong Kong and the UK have revealed how one species of self-propelling microbes can actively change the path of their swimming motions, depending on how much light they receive. Reporting in Physical Review ...
It is Carnival season in New Orleans. That means gazillions of green, gold and purple Mardi Gras beads.
Environment
Feb 15, 2026
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Marine animals, such as the extremely simple flatworm Trichoplax, are ideal model organisms for studying the early evolutionary origins of animal life processes. Despite measuring only a few millimeters and lacking true organs ...
Evolution
Feb 11, 2026
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A University of Missouri researcher is pioneering an innovative solution to remove tiny bits of plastic pollution from our water. Mizzou's Susie Dai recently applied a revolutionary strain of algae toward capturing and removing ...
Biotechnology
Feb 2, 2026
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387
For the first time and with help from artificial intelligence, researchers have conducted a comprehensive study of global floating algae and found that blooms are expanding across the ocean. These trends are likely the result ...
Environment
Jan 19, 2026
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On clear days in Hartbeespoort, South Africa, satellite images often reveal a reservoir with shades of deep blue interrupted by drifting patches of vivid green. These shifting features indicate algae blooms, which can affect ...
Earth Sciences
Jan 7, 2026
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Algae is a ubiquitous feature in waterways throughout the globe, including western North America. Slippery, green epilithic algae is a familiar sight on river rocks. Toxic blue-green algae—cyanobacteria—is a visually interesting, ...
Ecology
Jan 4, 2026
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149
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have decoded the nuclear genome of Amorphochlora amoebiformis, a unicellular marine alga belonging to the chlorarachniophyte group.
Cell & Microbiology
Dec 19, 2025
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