Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Renata Biba, Karla Kospic, Bruno Komazec, Dora Markulin, Petra Cvjetko, Dubravko Pavokovic, Petra Peharec Stefanic, Mirta Tkalec, Biljana Balen
Summary: This review provides an overview of the effects different stabilizing coatings have on the growth, physiology, and gene and protein expression of aquatic and terrestrial plants and freshwater algae in relation to AgNP-induced phytotoxicity.
Review
Ecology
Ivan Beltran, Suzana Herculano-Houzel, Barry Sinervo, Martin J. Whiting
Summary: Elevated temperatures during development affect a wide range of traits in ectotherms, but the impact of global warming on brain development has not been extensively studied. Evidence suggests that temperature may have a positive effect on neuronal activity and growth in developing brains, but only up to a certain threshold.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jonas Blomme, Thomas Wichard, Thomas B. Jacobs, Olivier De Clerck
Summary: Green seaweeds, particularly Ulva species, have various morphologies and ecological roles, making them important for research in carbon assimilation, bacteria interactions, life cycle, and economic benefits. Ulva mutabilis/compressa is suggested as a model species and the article highlights available molecular data and tools for further research. Exciting developments in other Ulva species are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Damon Britton, Craig N. Mundy, Fanny Noisette, Christina M. McGraw, Catriona L. Hurd, Joanna Norkko
Summary: Research shows that crustose coralline algae (CCA) respond negatively to low and medium emissions scenarios of warming and acidification, and may be adversely affected by 2030 if current emissions persist. Significant declines in growth rates and increases in bleaching were observed in the high emission scenario. These findings underscore the urgent need to take action to protect CCA and the valuable ecosystem services they provide.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Colleen B. Bove, Katharine Greene, Sharla Sugierski, Nicola G. Kriefall, Alexa K. Huzar, Annabel M. Hughes, Koty Sharp, Nicole D. Fogarty, Sarah W. Davies
Summary: Global change, including seawater temperature increase and oceanic pH decrease, is causing declines in coral reefs. Local stressors such as microplastics also impact coral ecosystems. The interactions between these global and local stressors are not well-known. This study examines the independent and combined effects of global change and microplastics on gene expression and microbial community composition in the endangered coral Acropora cervicornis.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yun Sun Lee, Shin-Han Shiu, Erich Grotewold
Summary: The association of bHLH and ACT-like domains is unique to the plantae kingdom, suggesting a common origin. The ACT-like domains mediate homodimer formation and negatively affect DNA binding of the associated bHLH domains. The evolution of the ACT-like domains is constrained by the bHLH domains.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yongshuo H. Fu, Xiaojun Geng, Shouzhi Chen, Hao Wu, Fanghua Hao, Xuan Zhang, Zhaofei Wu, Jing Zhang, Jing Tang, Yann Vitasse, Constantin M. Zohner, Ivan Janssens, Nils Chr Stenseth, Josep Penuelas
Summary: Global warming has led to a lengthening of the green season, but forest trees do not linearly track the extension of the thermal season. More sophisticated models are needed to accurately predict phenological changes in spring under warmer climate.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ming-Der Huang, Chin-Wei Wu, Hong-Yun Chou, Sou-Yu Cheng, Hsin-Yang Chang
Summary: A novel nsLTP lineage is identified in green algae, which carries unique sequences and molecular features distinguishable from those in land plants. Further investigation on the Chlamydomonas nsLTPs shows their late zygotic stage expression patterns and verified canonical nsLTP properties such as fatty acids binding and proteinase resistance activities. This study not only reveals the existence of nsLTPs in green algae but also contributes to facilitating future studies on this enigmatic protein family.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guoxin Cui, Migle K. Konciute, Lorraine Ling, Luke Esau, Jean -Baptiste Raina, Baoda Han, Octavio R. Salazar, Jason S. Presnell, Nils Raedecker, Huawen Zhong, Jessica Menzies, Phillip A. Cleves, Yi Jin Liew, Cory J. Krediet, Val Sawiccy, Maha J. Cziesielski, Paul Guagliardo, Jeremy Bougoure, Mathieu Pernice, Heribert Hirt, Christian R. Voolstra, Virginia M. Weis, John R. Pringle, Manuel Aranda
Summary: Symbiotic cnidarians, such as corals and anemones, have evolved efficient molecular mechanisms for nutrient distribution and recycling in order to thrive in nutrient-poor ocean environments. Using the sea anemone Aiptasia, researchers have discovered that glucose and the presence of algae induce the up-regulation and relocalization of glucose and ammonium transporters, which are critical for symbiont functioning and organism-wide nitrogen assimilation. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen conservation and recycling in symbiotic cnidarians.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Gina De La Fuente, Marco Fontana, Valentina Asnaghi, Mariachiara Chiantore, Serena Mirata, Annalisa Salis, Gianluca Damonte, Sonia Scarfi
Summary: The bioactive compounds found in marine seaweeds, such as C. amentacea, have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making them potential ingredients for antiaging formulations and soothing lotions for damaged skin.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Reina J. Veenhof, Symon A. Dworjanyn, Curtis Champion, Melinda Ann Coleman
Summary: Kelp forests are declining globally and often replaced by algal turfs dominated by turfing algae. This study examines the effects of grazing pressure on kelp gametophytes by a gastropod micrograzer present in turf. The results show that grazing reduces gametophyte coverage and abundance, with no significant temperature effect on grazing rates. Despite surviving ingestion, gametophyte recovery is hindered at elevated temperatures. These findings highlight the complex interactions in the micro-habitat of kelp gametophytes, shedding light on the factors influencing transitions between kelp forests and algal turfs.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hui Zhao, Xuanhong Liu, Ting Jiang, Chuner Cai, Kai Gu, Yuling Liu, Peimin He
Summary: The annual outbreak of green tides has caused significant economic losses and ecological damage. The dominant species, Ulva prolifera, is influenced by temperature. High temperature can activate specific pathways in U. prolifera, enhance its heat tolerance, and protect cell stability.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pan-Long Guo, Zi-Qian Guo, Xiang-Dong Liu
Summary: Cuticular protein genes are found to play important roles in heat acclimation of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis. The genes CmTweedle1 and CmCPG1 are involved in heat acclimation, while CmCPR20 gene affects heat tolerance and cuticular protein content in unacclimated larvae.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuko Makita, Shigekatsu Suzuki, Keiji Fushimi, Setsuko Shimada, Aya Suehisa, Manami Hirata, Tomoko Kuriyama, Yukio Kurihara, Hidefumi Hamasaki, Emiko Okubo-Kurihara, Kazutoshi Yoshitake, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Masaaki Sakuta, Takashi Gojobori, Tomoko Sakami, Rei Narikawa, Haruyo Yamaguchi, Masanobu Kawachi, Minami Matsui
Summary: Photoreceptors are crucial for various developmental stages from green algae to land plants, and blue light sensing is essential for adapting to marine environments. The discovery of a chimeric dual orange/far-red and blue light receptor in Pycnococcus provasolii sheds light on the mechanisms of light adaptation in marine organisms.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jonas Blomme, Xiaojie Liu, Thomas B. Jacobs, Olivier De Clerck
Summary: In this study, a molecular cloning toolkit was developed for the green seaweed U. mutabilis, containing various entry vectors, destination vectors, and functionally validated expression vectors. The importance of endogenous regulatory sequences for transgene expression was demonstrated, and two vector architectures for transgene expression were described. The toolkit enables the study of gain-of-function lines and gene characterization in a green seaweed, paving the way for large-scale functional genomics studies.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Sirong He, Bahram Barati, Xun Hu, Shuang Wang
Summary: This paper reviews the carbon transformation process, including CO2 sequestration in microalgae cultivation, carbon conversion in hydrothermal liquefaction, and CO2 emissions of algal-derived biofuel. It summarizes the conversion path and recovery of carbon, which are noticeably affected by parameters such as cultivation system, algae species, HTL reaction conditions, and upgrading catalyst. Techno-economic assessments and environmental impact considerations on microalgae biofuel are also reported.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Stuart H. Larsen, John Beardall
Summary: The presence of a carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) in phytoplankton affects their response to changes in dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations in the ocean. Previous studies suggested that the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi did not possess a CCM, but recent research indicates otherwise. This study shows that another coccolithophore species, Gephyrocapsa oceanica, also has a functioning CCM, suggesting that increased CO2 concentrations may not lead to enhanced growth rates. Careful adjustments in centrifugation speeds are necessary when working with Gephyrocapsa oceanica due to the larger size of its liths compared to Emiliania huxleyi.
Review
Fisheries
Vaibhav A. Mantri, Cicilia S. B. Kambey, Elizabeth J. Cottier-Cook, Sara Usandizaga, Alejandro H. Buschmann, Ik Kyo Chung, Tao Liu, Calvyn F. A. Sondak, Zizhong Qi, Phaik Eem Lim, Nguyen Van Nguyen
Summary: Gracilaria aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry that contributes significantly to the global seaweed supply chain. Despite the importance of biosecurity, it is often overlooked. China and other Asian countries dominate global gracilarioids aquaculture, but there are gaps in their national policies and regulations. The paper suggests implementing biosecurity management strategies and discusses the impending biosecurity measures in emerging countries in this industry.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Dong Xu, Shujie Huang, Xiao Fan, Xiaowen Zhang, Yitao Wang, Wei Wang, John Beardall, Georgina Brennan, Naihao Ye
Summary: Projected ocean acidification (OA) alters seawater chemistry and bio-toxicity of metal ions, but its effect on marine microalgae resilience to metal stress is unclear. This study examines the impact of OA on copper metabolism in Thalassiosira pseudonana. Results show that increased pCO(2) promotes growth and photosynthesis, but decreases copper accumulation and toxicity. The study also reveals alterations in copper detoxification strategies and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities under elevated CO2. These findings provide insight into the bioremediation capacity of marine primary producers under climate change.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiaofeng Wan, Yunyue Zhou, John Beardall, John A. Raven, Jiamin Lin, Jiali Huang, Yucong Lu, Shiman Liang, Mengcheng Ye, Mengting Xiao, Jingyuan Zhao, Xiaoying Dai, Jianrong Xia, Peng Jin
Summary: DNA methylation and gene transcription cooperate to contribute to the adaptation of microalgae to global changes.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Stuart H. Larsen, John Beardall
Summary: A subtropical clone of Gephyrocapsa oceanica was tested for its response to temperature and salinity. It was found that DMSP content in the cells increased with salinity and decreased with temperature. Furthermore, net DMSP production rate depended on cell size and growth rate, with the highest production rate observed below the optimum growth temperature. These findings suggest a complex relationship between temperature and DMSP production.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ding Jiang, Hongping Li, Xiaoxue Cheng, Qifan Ling, Hao Chen, Bahram Barati, Quanfeng Yao, Abdelfatah Abomohra, Xun Hu, Pietro Bartocci, Shuang Wang
Summary: Biomass based activated carbon material was prepared by NaOH activation method using macroalgae as raw material to adsorb methylene blue. The activated adsorbent exhibited high specific surface area (1238.491 m(2) g(-1)) and mesoporous slit structure. The study investigated the effects of impregnation ratio, amount of adsorbent, pH, and contact time on the adsorption activity, and discussed the adsorption kinetics, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory. The SWAC achieved a maximum MB removal efficiency of 98.56% at 30°C and pH 5, attributed to its large specific surface area and presence of graphitic N sites for high electronegativity, facilitating stable adsorption of MB molecules through pi-pi stacking, cation-pi interaction, and electrostatic interaction.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
He Li, John Beardall, Kunshan Gao
Summary: The marine picocyanobacterium Synechococcus plays a significant role in primary production in the global oceans. However, its responses to changing pCO(2) and light levels have been poorly studied. This research found that the growth of Synechococcus strain CB0101 is strongly influenced by light intensity, with peak growth at 250 μmol m(-2) s(-1). Elevated pCO(2) inhibits cell growth at high light intensities and decreases photosynthetic carbon fixation rates. It also significantly reduces particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, particularly under low light. These findings suggest that future ocean acidification may affect the growth and competitiveness of Synechococcus in surface waters.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hossein Alishah Aratboni, Nahid Rafiei, Malihe Mehdizadeh Allaf, Sara Abedini, Raseena Naseema Rasheed, Abdolvahab Seif, Bahram Barati, Shuang Wang, Jose Ruben Morones-Ramirez
Summary: The limited resources of the earth demand the optimization of our society to meet the population's needs for energy, food, water, and medicines. The challenges of this century include the expanding population, sociodemographic shifts, and the emergence of new diseases. New strategies should be focused on sustainable production from alternative sources, such as microalgae, which possess interesting characteristics and valuable bioresources. Nanotechnology offers novel and efficient methods to improve culturing conditions and enhance the valuable compounds in microalgae.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Hoi-Sen Yong, Sze-Looi Song, Kah-Ooi Chua, Yvonne Jing Mei Liew, I. Wayan Suana, Phaik-Eem Lim, Kok-Gan Chan, Praphathip Eamsobhana
Summary: The mitochondrial genomes of three fruit fly species from the Zeugodacus genus show similarities in gene order and structure, but differences in certain gene features and taxonomic status. More sampling of different taxonomic units is needed to clarify their classification.
ARTHROPOD SYSTEMATICS & PHYLOGENY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Li-Chia Liu, Showe-Mei Lin, Phaik-Eem Lim
Summary: This study analyzed the species diversity of Crustaphytum and Mesophyllum-like specimens from the Asian-Pacific region. The results showed that most Mesophyllum-like specimens actually belonged to Crustaphytum. Three new species of Crustaphytum were also discovered, and their morphology and distribution were described.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Finnley W. R. Ross, Philip W. Boyd, Karen Filbee-Dexter, Kenta Watanabe, Alejandra Ortega, Dorte Krause-Jensen, Catherine Lovelock, Calvyn F. A. Sondak, Lennart T. Bach, Carlos M. Duarte, Oscar Serrano, John Beardall, Patrick Tarbuck, Peter I. Macreadie
Summary: Seaweed has the potential to mitigate climate change, but there are uncertainties surrounding its impact and the need for accurate carbon accounting. Four potential ways to enhance seaweed's contribution to climate change mitigation are: protecting and restoring wild seaweed forests, expanding sustainable nearshore seaweed aquaculture, offsetting industrial CO2 emissions using seaweed products, and sinking seaweed into the deep sea. Despite these opportunities, verified carbon accounting and sustainability thresholds are needed before large-scale investment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cong Zhou, Di Zhang, Xiangqi Yi, John Beardall, Kunshan Gao
Summary: Ocean warming has significant effects on the physiology and growth of Emiliania huxleyi, a non-calcifying strain of coccolithophore. Short-term and long-term thermal treatments showed that increasing temperatures enhanced the growth of this species, but did not result in persistent adaptive changes in its growth characteristics and cellular components.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kok Ping Lim, Jinfeng Ding, Kar Hoe Loh, Chengjun Sun, Sumiani Yusoff, Shyama Sundari Devi Chanthran, Phaik Eem Lim
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of crescent perch in Malaysia and found high levels of microplastic contamination. The study also found that the microplastics were predominantly fibres and that crescent perch primarily ingested blue and black microplastics. The findings from this study provide initial evidence that microplastic contamination is a threat to crescent perch and the Malaysian water ecosystem.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Pei -Tian Goh, Sze-Wan Poong, Xinqing Zheng, Tao Liu, Zhizhong Qi, John Beardall, Tun -Wen Pai, Phaik-Eem Lim
Summary: This study investigated the growth, photosynthetic efficiency, pigment content, agar properties, and metabolite composition of G. salicornia under simulated elevated pCO(2) levels. The results showed that this alga has the ability to adapt to higher pCO(2) levels, and its metabolite regulation is more influenced by culture duration rather than pCO(2) levels.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)