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.
As climate change and a growing global population strains our existing food supply, scientists are looking on land and at sea for innovative solutions.
Cell & Microbiology
Oct 2, 2025
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For the first time, researchers at Umeå University have observed the same type of programmed cell death in microalgae as in humans. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, shows that this central biological process ...
Evolution
Sep 29, 2025
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130
Seaweed growing along the world's coastlines could help to inspire new materials. Millions of years of evolution have shaped how seaweeds control light and color, which could offer new approaches for designers to explore.
Evolution
Sep 11, 2025
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87
Scientists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University have found out that polysaccharides from microalgae bind proteins that are contained in the poison of lancehead snakes. When these proteins get into the human organism, ...
Plants & Animals
Sep 9, 2025
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29
The microscopic alliance between algae and bacteria offers rare, step-by-step snapshots of how bacteria lose genes and adapt to increasing host dependence. This is shown by a new study led by researchers from Stockholm University, ...
Evolution
Aug 29, 2025
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149
A new study has revealed that tiny organisms called snow algae are significantly contributing to the surface melting on Antarctic ice shelves. The discovery could have far-reaching implications for global sea level rise.
Earth Sciences
Aug 27, 2025
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38
The next time you breathe, consider this: Photosynthesis of algae, powered by iron dust in the ocean, made it possible.
Environment
Aug 14, 2025
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107
At a beach near Algiers, brown algae native to the Pacific Ocean cover the golden sand, posing a threat to ecosystems native to the area and their stench repelling swimmers at the peak of summer.
Ecology
Aug 4, 2025
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33
As global energy use continues to rise, the demand for renewable energy sources such as biofuels is also growing—especially in the transportation sector. Now, researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have demonstrated ...
Bio & Medicine
Jul 24, 2025
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52
Skoltech researchers and their colleagues have uncovered an intricate light manipulation mechanism likely used by microscopic algae to boost photosynthesis.
Cell & Microbiology
Jul 23, 2025
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76
