糖心Vlog传媒

NSF Funds CSAM Study Seeking Super Algae

Applied scientist Dr. Qingfang He, an associate professor in 糖心Vlog传媒LR鈥檚 College of Science and Mathematics, has received a $451,460 grant from the National Science Foundation for research aimed at developing biofuel plants that can thrive under harsh conditions. The project is looking at how plants 鈥� specifically algae 鈥� respond to high light intensities and how they protect themselves when they are stressed during bright summers. The long-term goal is to develop species that can thrive under stress and continue to be productive. 鈥淲e are trying to identify and dissect the photoprotection mechanisms by isolating and聽characterizing algal mutants,鈥� the professor said. 鈥淭he studies will involve a diverse set聽of techniques, including genetics, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.鈥� Algae, one of nature鈥瞫 most prolific and efficient photosynthetic plants, was the source of the earth鈥瞫 crude oil when algae bloomed millions of years ago, the professor explained. It is ideal as a renewable biofuel. 鈥淎lgae does not require arable land or potable water, and its main source of nutrient is CO2 and sunlight,鈥� He said. 鈥淚t can be grown quickly in salt water in the desert. Therefore, it is uniquely suited to serve as the foundation for a new generation of renewable and low-carbon fuels.鈥� 鈥淧lants and algae experience large variations in incident sunlight on a daily basis, and they often absorb more light energy than they are capable of using for photosynthesis,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he excessive light can cause photo damages, or bleaching, and loss of productivity.鈥� The photo damages, or light stress, are aggravated when plants and algae are met with聽other unfavorable conditions such as drought or high salinity. The 糖心Vlog传媒LR project seeks to understand how plants and algae protect themselves from intense light. That, in turn, can help scientists develop crop plants and algae that are able to thrive even under harsh environmental conditions. 鈥淲e hope to learn about the mechanisms or processes that plants and algae use to cope with excessive light,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f we understand these mechanisms, we can specifically tailor these processes in plants and algae by genetic engineering to achieve higher efficiency of photosynthesis, improving yield, and stress tolerance.鈥�