I am interested in algae. There are microalgae and macroalgae. Seaweed is one of macroalgae. Seaweed and marine algae can be a daily vegetable, valuable nutrients and health food, aquaculture food, ingredient in cosmetic sunscreen, etc., provide a clue while searching anti-malaria drug, or a bio-factory of biofuel.
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Marine algae by Dr Alan J.K. Millar, Principal Research Scientist & Yola Metti (The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust)
My research work with the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust has resulted in the discovery of more than 50 new species of seaweeds. When you're in the Royal Botanic Garden look over the wall into Farm Cove and if it’s low tide you may be able to spot the seaweeds below - especially one that looks like green fettucini, called Caulerpa filiformis, and also a brown kelp called Ecklonia radiata. These are just two of the 2000 different species of seaweeds we have in Australia - the continent with the richest seaweed flora on earth.
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Dr Nicholas Paul, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, AU
I have a broad interest in the biology of aquaculture organisms, and specifically the role that seaweeds (macroalgae) play in sustainable aquaculture. One of my goals is to deliver cost-effective and robust forms of integrated aquaculture to the diverse types of aquaculture in tropical Australia. I have worked extensively on the interactions between seaweeds and their environment (including herbivores), which will be integral to establishing a productive and valuable seaweed industry in Australia.
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Seaweed clues to anti-malaria drug (23rd February 2011, The Queensland Times)
SEAWEED emits a natural chemical response to ward off fungi that would otherwise colonise an injured plant, a process that could help the search for anti-malaria drugs, a US scientist says.
SEAWEED DEFENSE OFFERS CLUES AGAINST MALARIA (NSW government, February 22, 2011)
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Seaweed emits a natural chemical response to ward off fungi that would otherwise colonize an injured plant, a process that could help the search for anti-malaria drugs, a US scientist said Monday.
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Seaweed Extract: Marrawah GOLD™ Seaweed Extract
Seaweed (kelp) has been used as a rich source of organic plant nutrients for centuries. Seaweed contains numerous minerals and every essential trace element, simple and complex carbohydrates, and a number of plant growth hormones.
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COSMETICS BECOMING 'GREENER' (The West Australian, April 5, 2010)
"Marine algae work far better against the sun than synthetic sunscreens," Mr Roussis said.
The good news for animals is that research increasingly is tested on bits of reconstructed human skin, made from human foreskin cells (keratinocytes) from one or several donors, grown in-vitro for between a week and a month.
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Australia government - Department of Sustainability, Water, Population and Communities - Australian Biological Resources Study
Algae databases and online resources
Algae of Australia Glossary (Last updated: Monday, 26-Oct-2009)
Compiled by John M. Huisman & Timothy J. Entwisle
This glossary contains terms likely to be used in volumes of the Algae of Australia. References used in its compilation are given at the end of the chapter. Where possible, the definitions conform with those in the Flora of Australia and Fungi of Australia, but some have meanings peculiar to algae. Specialised terms will be included in the relevant volumes.
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Algal Production Group in SARDI, South Australia government
The Algal Production group is focused on providing practical and cost effective Algal Production Systems (APS) for use in aquaculture, nutrient remediation, nutraceuticals, bioenergy and in biofixation of carbon. The group is committed to delivering to its clients concept design, laboratory testing, proof-of-concept scale trials and pilot commercial scale trials. This is achieved using in-house skills, collaborations and specialised infrastructure.
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Defining Micro and Macro Algae
Microalgae: small microscopic aquatic photosynthetic plants that require the aid of a microscope to be seen.
In a previously posted Web article written by Nick Dakin titled Algae Enhancement, when addressing the topic of Micro vs Macro, he stated that, " 'Micro' applies to single-cell or groups of cells joined together. Their existence may be encountered as drifting phytoplankton or substrate occupiers and include the nuisance forms of 'slime' algae, as well as the welcome rock encrusting calcareous forms".
So, if these algae are microscopic, then why can you see them in your aquarium? This is easy. When these single-celled microscopic algae organisms join or chain themselves together in large enough numbers, they then become visible to the unaided human eye.
Even though red slime (cyanobacteria), brown (diatom) and some dinoflagelattes are not "true" algae at all, these fall into the microalgae category.
Macroalgae: large aquatic photosynthetic plants that can been seen without the aid of a microscope.
Nick Dakin further explained in his Micro vs Macro discussion that," 'Macro' always refers to the larger species and can easily be recognizable as plants. These are generally the ones that attract the marine aquarist."
Macroalgae come in many colors including green, red, brown and blue, as well as in a variety of forms - some growing tall, with others growing as mats. The most familiar types can be generally divided into three groups: Green (Chlorophyta), Red (Rhodophyta), and Brown-Kelps (Phaeophyta - related to Chromista).
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