Under The Microscope: Paramecium

Ada McVean B.Sc. — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 18:44:42 +0000

The Right Chemistry: The Truth About Spirulina

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 19:39:13 +0000

Video of Dr. Joe Schwarcz: The truth about spirulina

The high-stakes challenge of capturing carbon dioxide

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:38:05 +0000

It is clear that no longer can we continue to spew carbon dioxide recklessly into the atmosphere; and it is also clear that eventually we will run out of fossil fuels. So, how about killing two birds with one stone? (Only figuratively, of course.) The challenge consists of capturing the carbon dioxide formed in combustion processes before it is released into the atmosphere — and then finding a way to convert it into useful compounds.

Can Red Marine Algae help with shingles, eczema or cold sores?

Alexandra Pires-Ménard, OSS Intern — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 21:39:45 +0000

Records indicate that red marine algae, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back to approximately 300 B.C. As is the case with many such products it was recommended for a variety of conditions but modern science does support a possible role in the treatment of viral infections such as those caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus—Type I (HSV-1). In other words, cold sores.

Herpes is a group of viral disease caused by the herpes viruses. Most of the time, individuals are unaware that they are infected since it is common to not experience symptoms. The virus lies dormant in the body until an outbreak is triggered by some sort of stress. Since there is no cure for herpes, attempts have focused on treatments to inactive the virus or to decrease infection recurrence.

One study along these lines, undertaken in 2009 in New Zealand, confirmed the strong link between red marine algae and virus inactivation. Various extracts of different types of algae were tested. Among those tested against HSV-1 and HSV-2 was that of Gigartina atropurpurea, a type of red marine algae. The algae extracts demonstrated activity during the first hour of viral infection. However, the algae extracts were ineffective if added later. Nonetheless, after various assays, it was determined that at low concentrations the extracts were active and had potent virucidal activity. Further investigation to prevent HSV infection in humans was indicated.

Previous studies have elucidated the mechanism by which red marine algae may inactivate viruses. Many marine algae species contain complexes of “structural sulfated polysaccharides” which are the candidates for anti-viral activity. These compounds interfere with the early steps in viral replication by preventing the virus from attaching to a host cell. Viruses cannot multiply by themselves, they need to invade a host in order to replicate.