Corals making their own sunscreen
The coral reefs’ dying is so vast, it can even be seen from the International Space Station. In a process called coral bleaching, the corals lose their distinct colors until only their white skeleton remains. However, instead of turning white, some corals start to display vividly glowing colors. Scientists of the University of Southampton have now discovered that this neon coloring essentially acts as sunscreen! In their fight for survival, the corals seem to adapt their self-regulating mechanism. They boost the production of colorful, photoprotective pigments and thus protect the vital, symbiotic relationship they share with tina algae… and at the same time, they look awesome! Read more
Harnessing the dark side – for electricity!
In the past, shadow and electricity were as unlike a pair as day and night. This changed when scientists of the National University of Singapore constructed what seems like a futuristic tool right out of StarWars here on Earth. The ‘shadow-effect energy generator’ creates new ways for harnessing indoor light. It utilizes the contrast between lit and shadowed areas to generate electricity. As Obi-Wan Kenobi would have said: “may the shadow be with you. always!” Read more
Bacteria hunting for metal
How do you collect metal? An image that probably comes to mind are people with magnetic rods skimming through sandy beaches in hopes of lost treasures. A very manual and ineffective way of metal collection – one might add. However, this cumbersome approach may soon be replaced with a much cooler concept! Scientists have discovered how to harness the natural metal-binding substances of bacteria, fungi, and plants. This skill can be applied to raw material extraction, but also in the medical field or even in the process of soil cleaning. Read more
