Toxic algae blooms are lasting longer in Lake Erie − why that’s a worry for people and pets

The blooms have become an annual problem in the Great Lakes. DNA studies show what’s growing there and why it’s dangerous.

Gregory J. Dick, Professor of Biology, University of Michigan • conversation
June 26, 2025 • ~10 min

Toxic algae blooms are lasting longer than before in Lake Erie − why that’s a worry for people and pets

The risk of harmful algal blooms can be reduced. The biggest drivers of the increase are farm fertilizer and climate change.

Gregory J. Dick, Professor of Biology, University of Michigan • conversation
June 26, 2025 • ~10 min

As the oceans warm, deep-living algae are thriving – with major potential effects for the marine ecosystem

Tiny phytoplankton have an outsized influence on the entire ocean.

Xuerong Sun, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Marine Science, University of Exeter • conversation
Sept. 30, 2024 • ~6 min

Oceans have seasons too – and climate change could be messing with them

Plankton bloom and wither with the seasons much as plants do on land.

Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, Associate Professor of Marine Conservation, University of Plymouth • conversation
Sept. 3, 2024 • ~7 min

Plankton mark seasons in the sea, just like leaves and flowers on land

Plankton bloom and wither with the seasons much as plants do on land.

Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, Associate Professor of Marine Conservation, University of Plymouth • conversation
Sept. 3, 2024 • ~7 min

How glacier algae are challenging the way we think about evolution

Understanding the evolution of purple algae could help us to protect glaciers.

Alexander Bowles, Postdoctoral research associate, University of Bristol • conversation
June 18, 2024 • ~6 min

Microrobots made of algae carry chemo directly to lung tumors, improving cancer treatment

Green algae carry drug-loaded nanoparticles directly to the lungs, reducing side effects in other organs and increasing treatment efficiency.

Zhengxing Li, Ph.D. Candidate in Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego • conversation
June 12, 2024 • ~5 min

Losing winter ice is changing the Great Lakes food web – here’s how light is shaping life underwater

In winter 2023-24, the Great Lakes’ ice cover was near record lows, peaking at just 16%. Researchers explain how diminishing ice could have consequences for fisheries, and how species are evolving.

Robert Michael McKay, Director and Professor, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor • conversation
June 11, 2024 • ~8 min

Sargassum is choking the Caribbean’s white sand beaches, fueling an economic and public health crisis

A leading driver of this seaweed invasion is pollution, carried down rivers and into the Atlantic Ocean from the continents.

Farah Nibbs, Assistant Professor of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
June 4, 2024 • ~10 min

Rotting sargassum is choking the Caribbean’s white sand beaches, fueling an economic and public health crisis

A leading driver of this seaweed invasion is pollution, carried down rivers and into the Atlantic Ocean from the continents.

Farah Nibbs, Assistant Professor of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
June 4, 2024 • ~10 min

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