New technology maps movement of microscopic algae in unprecedented detail
New technology developed by the University of Exeter is making it possible to map the movements of microscopic algae in greater detail than ever before, helping scientists to understand the health of oceans
Scientists can study the patterns of movement of microalgae in unprecedented detail using the new platform.
understanding and preventing harmful algal blooms, as well as for the development of algal bio-fuels which could one day provide an alternative to fossil fuels
Microscopic algae is the bases of aquatic food webs, sequestering most of the world's carbon, and are a key role in ocean ecosystems.
Maintaining a stable algal community is important for the health of the oceans
changes in ocean composition may affect community make-up. In order to maximize photosynthesis, many species move and swim around to locate sources of light or nutrition
Scientists will be able to study the behavior of single microorganisms with the help of the microfluidic device
The team has been able to develop cutting-edge technology because of the study of how microalgae interact with their environment and track and quantify their behaviors
The most important thing about these organisms is that they can sense where there are changes in their environment and they respond by changing their behavior
This new technology allows us to explore and understand the swimming behavior of organisms that cannot be observed directly in an aquatic environment
As climate change is likely to impact ocean temperatures, we need to understand how the ocean’s current inhabitants control their swimming patterns and adapt to future changes
the presence of interfaces with strong curvature, in combination with the microscopic corkscrewing swimming of the organisms, induces macroscopic chiral movement in the average trajectory of cells
The technology could be used to classify and quantify the environmental intelligence of cells, as well as complex patterns of behavior in organisms, including animals
Scientists develop models for swimming and culturing the of microalgae communities in any relevant habitat which will lead to a deeper understanding of present and future marine ecology