Even seaweeds get sunburned - Scientists of the Alfred Wegener Institute on Spitsbergen investigate the response of seaweeds to increased ultraviolet radiation
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 22 August 2008
Algae, like humans, suffer from too much sun. With rising UV radiation due to ozone depletion, algae develop protective strategies like producing MAAs. On Spitsbergen, scientists study how UV and warming waters threaten algae and marine ecosystems.
Keywords: UV radiation, algae, Spitsbergen, ozone depletion, photosynthesis, climate change, Alfred Wegener Institute
Marine scientists from the German federal state Bremen discover new giant clam - A hitherto unknown species shows signs of overfishing that already began 125.000 years ago
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 1 September 2008
Scientists have discovered a new giant clam species, Tridacna costata, in the Red Sea. Once dominant, it's now nearly extinct—likely the first case of human overfishing 125,000 years ago. Genetic and fossil studies confirm its unique identity.
Keywords: Tridacna costata, Red Sea, giant clam, overfishing, extinction, marine biodiversity, genetic analysis
Genome of the diatom Phaeodactylum sequenced
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 15 October 2008
Scientists sequenced the genome of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, revealing its evolutionary roots and key traits like photosynthesis genes, oil production, and robust shells—vital for marine food chains and potential biofuel sources.
Keywords: Phaeodactylum tricornutum, diatom genome, marine algae, photosynthesis, biofuel, omega-3 fatty acids, Alfred Wegener Institute
