DNA might predict harmful algae blooms

STORRS, Conn., Oct. 6 (UPI) -- A U.S. scientist says DNA tests could help predict and prevent harmful algae blooms around the globe, thereby reducing such blooms' economic impacts.

Associate Professor Senjie Lin of the University of Connecticut said such an approach might also help decrease the outbreaks of food poisoning due to contamination of seafood by the toxins some algae produce.

Algae include cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, diatoms, raphidophytes, haptophytes, and various other species, many of which produce potent toxins. It is estimated annual economic losses due to U.S. algae blooms total tens of millions of dollars.

"To minimize economic and environmental impacts, an early warning detection system is needed," said Lin. His research provides information on the technical aspects of using biological markers -- DNA or RNA -- to detect algae quickly and easily without the need for highly sophisticated methods or equipment.

A paper outlining his research appears in the International Journal of Environment and Pollution.