Scientists are starting to discover the secrets of red algae by Corina Ciubotaru

When you think of a large body of water like an ocean, not only does the blue water in itself come to mind, but you also think of what's beneath: fish, algae and corals. And even though most fish are harmless, corals can hurt you and even algae can be harmful if you're not careful. For example, the red algae; some of them produce a substance that can prove harmful and that scientists have only begun to understand. During very hot days, oceans turn red around the shores, being smothered with red algae which endanger both people and marine life. A few of the thousands of species become poisonous when ingested and during the night when there is no sunlight, they begin consuming oxygen to feed and they end up leaving the water hard for fish to breathe in. Researchers at MIT have duplicated the process by which red algae create their toxin and are confident their findings will help protect marine life in case of other "red tides", as the occasional formations are named. Associate professor Timothy F. Jamison, along with a graduate student, has created the process in a laboratory and released the results in a journal called Science. The findings can also help find cures for cystic fibrosis; the only substance that worked against this disease was brevenal, one of the chemicals found to be secreted by the red algae. Organisations like General Medical Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories, Boehringer Ingelheim and MIT were the sponsors of the research led by Mr. Jamison.

related story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070830/ap_on_sc/red_tide;_ylt=As5WiHBcMIP6k1P6q4npvsus0NUE

by Corina Ciubotaru for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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