Swansea Uni study finds UV-blocking algae a sunscreen_in BBC News

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-39923446#

UV protective algae could be used as a sustainable alternative to sunscreen, research at Swansea University has discovered.
There are hopes microalgae, which cannot be seen by the naked eye, could replace synthetic sunscreens.
The natural products, found in the sea, have a high absorbance of damaging sun rays.
Dr Carole Llewellyn, who has led the research, said algae sunscreen would be better for the environment.
“What we found is that algae have their own process of protecting themselves against the damaging ultra-violet rays,” said Dr Llewellyn, an associate professor in applied aquatic bioscience.
“We’re really interested in finding out how they do this and applying it to products we want to use.
“There’s increasing evidence that some of the synthetic sunscreens are quite harmful to the environment when they wash off in the sea.
“Many sunscreens are produced from petroleum sources and the industry is looking for something more sustainable.”

The 7th UK Algae Conference in Swansea: Abstract submission and registration deadline now extended to the 23rd of June

The Abstract submission and registration deadline are now extended to the 23rd of June 2017 for the 7th UK Algae Conference in Swansea

All the info here

Confirmed keynote speakers:

Professor John G Day (SAMS) – cryopreservation of micro and macro, challenges and future trends

Professor Juliet Brodie (Natural History Museum) – a historical perspective of projects run by the Natural History museum including taxonomy, monitoring kelps for harvesting purposes, citizen science, macroalgae microbiome

Dr Claire Gachon (SAMS) – diseases in macroalgae

Joe MacDonald from Varicon Aqua (http://www.variconaqua.com/) – “Challenges and opportunities for PBR technology suppliers in the algae bio-economy”

Dr Robert Lovitt from Membranology Ltd. (http://membranology.com/)

Dr. John Dodd from AlgaeCytes Ltd. “- AlgaeCytes -A view on the algal product commercialization path”

Three states of matter… by Dr Claudio Fuentes Grunewald

Reception class learned about the three states of matter in St David’s Catholic Primary School West Cross Swansea.

Dr Claudio Fuentes Grunewald gave a scientific talk to encourage an interest in science for kids in the reception class in St David’s Catholic Primary School West Cross Swansea.

Invitation to the 7 UK algae conference in Swansea

Photography competition: Hilda Canter-Lund 2017

Dig out your best algae-themed photographs.

Keep the date: 9th of June – the closing date for the 2017 Hilda Canter-Lund photography competition.

A prize of £250 will be awarded to the photograph that best combines the informative, technical and aesthetic qualities embodies by Hilda Canter-Lund’s photography.  It can be of a micro- or macroalga, marine or freshwater, taken by any photographic medium and the competition is open to all.

More info here

Reuter News Article: UV-blocking algae could be nature’s own sunscreen

Reuters innovation news article on using algal sunscreens as an alternative to synthetic sunblock, sometimes blamed for adverse effects on human skin. Featuring Dr Carole Llewellyn and Dr Alla Silkina. 

http://www.reuters.com/assets/iframe/yovideo?videoId=371513735

Funded PhD Studentship on sea vegetables

Funding available for an EUROPEAN Ph.D. student in collaboration with Milford Haven Port Authority

TITLE: Evaluating the scientific and technical capacities towards sustainable production of sea vegetables in Milford Haven Port

The overarching goal of the proposed research is to balance aquaculture production and conservation needs within the Port. The student will investigate and evaluate the scientific and technological feasibility of seaweed aquaculture within the Port. This project will blend field surveys, controlled lab and field trials, with regular knowledge-exchange with the MHPA and other stakeholders.

Swansea University is a UK top 30 institution for research excellence (Research Excellence Framework 2014), and has been named Welsh University of the Year 2017 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

The studentship covers the full cost of UK/EU tuition fees, plus a stipend. The bursary will be limited to a maximum of £14,198 p.a. dependent upon the applicant’s financial circumstances

TO APPLY: follow this link

Applicants are strongly advised to contact Prof. Kam W. Tang or Dr. Sara Barrento regarding information on the area of research, particularly via email (k.w.tang@swansea.ac.uk; s.i.barrento@swansea.ac.uk). Applicants are also advised to contact Alaric Churchill regarding the commercial aspects of the project (Alaric.churchill@mhpa.co.uk).

 

 

7th UK Algae Conference:“The best of both worlds- combining ideas from micro-and macro algae research”

AlgaeWales is organising the 7th UK Algae Conference, taking place at Swansea University on the  6th and 7th of July, 2017. Registration information can be found here.

We aim to link PhD students and Post-docs who research all types of algae. From micro to macroalgae there will be key note speakers, flash talks and poster presentations on a variety of topics within algal research as well as a tour of the facilities, networking, conference dinner and more.

Swansea University invites you to attend the 7th UK Algae Conference:“The best of both worlds- combining ideas from micro-and macro algae research” on the 6th and 7th of July, sponsored by Phyconet.

The event is open to all algae community members: associations, SMEs, stakeholders, academics, post-graduate students.

 

Seaweed vegetables, sea veggies, sea veg …

rebranding macroscopic, multi-cellular marine algae

Dr Sara Barrento recently presented a  CoS lunchtime talk about the emergence of the sea vegetables. CoS Lunchtime Talks is an event run by the Colledge of Science at Swansea University, aiming to bring together each department of the college to discuss their research, combine expertise, and perhaps collaborate. You can see her presentation below.