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Harmful Algal Blooms

All articles tagged with #harmful algal blooms

environment11 days ago•4 min saved

Ohio beaches on alert as toxic algal blooms trigger widespread advisories

More than 20 Ohio beaches have health advisories for harmful algal blooms and elevated bacteria, with four Grand Lake St. Marys beaches under red-flag warnings. The Ohio Department of Health’s BeachGuard tool uses color codes (yellow for bacteria, red for toxins) and advisories remain until tests show safe levels. NOAA forecasts a moderate HAB season on Lake Erie, while the Ohio Environmental Council calls for faster nutrient-reduction to curb blooms. Beachgoers should avoid water contact where warned, monitor updates, and follow CDC guidance to prevent illness.

via The Columbus Dispatch|

#cyanotoxins #environment #grand-lake-st-marys

science1 month ago•4 min saved

NASA's Self-Learning AI Maps Harmful Algae from Space

NASA researchers developed a self-supervised AI that fuses data from multiple satellites (including PACE and TROPOMI) to detect and map harmful algal blooms such as Karenia brevis and Pseudo-nitzschia, across Gulf Coast and West Coast waters. The tool helps guide where to sample and warn communities, with plans to expand to additional coastlines and lakes and to make the technology accessible to decision-makers.

via NASA (.gov)|

#ai #harmful-algal-blooms #nasa

science9 months ago•9 min saved

Dolphin Brain Damage from Toxins May Signal Human Alzheimer’s Risks

Dolphins near Miami have been found to have brain toxins and Alzheimer’s-like disease markers, raising concerns about similar risks for humans due to increasing harmful algal blooms caused by climate change, which may impact coastal water safety and public health.

via Study Finds|

#alzheimers #climate-change #dolphins

science1 year ago•3 min saved

Scientists Discover 230 New Giant Viruses Impacting Ocean Ecosystems

Scientists have discovered 230 new giant viruses in ocean waters that infect protists like algae, which are crucial to marine ecosystems and can influence public health through harmful algal blooms. Using advanced computational tools and global datasets, they characterized these viruses' genomes and functions, revealing their potential to manipulate host metabolism and impact biogeochemical cycles. This research enhances understanding of ocean viral diversity and could aid in monitoring and managing marine health threats.

via Phys.org|

#giant-viruses #harmful-algal-blooms #marine-microbiology

environment3 years ago•2 min saved

Toxic Algae Bloom in California Sparks Aggression in Sea Lions

Sea lions along the Southern California coast are biting people due to ingesting toxic algae that contains a neurotoxin called domoic acid. The algae blooms have caused hundreds of sea lions and dolphins to become sick, suffering from seizures, brain damage, dehydration, and muscle spasms. At least two dozen beachgoers have reported being bitten. Harmful algal blooms occur almost every year in California, but this summer's outbreak is the deadliest seen so far. Wildlife care centers are overcrowded, and some sea lions have been left on shores due to lack of space. The toxins can also pose health risks to humans, and precautions have been advised. Researchers hope to contain the contamination and prevent the spread of toxins to other parts of the Pacific Ocean.

via The Washington Post|

#california-beaches #environment #harmful-algal-blooms