Algae in Nature and Biotechnology: Dr. Kyle Lauersen

Joyful Microbe

In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of algae and biotechnology with Dr. Kyle Lauersen. He is an Assistant Professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia and leads a research group focusing on engineering algae for useful purposes.

We cover everything from the basics of algae and their role in nature to their potential to drive sustainability. These tiny yet powerful organisms hold incredible secrets. Discover how metabolic engineering has turned algae into cellular factories, producing useful chemicals and cleaning wastewater. Join us as we explore the challenges and gaps in algae cultivation technology and learn how to observe algae under a microscope in an exciting at-home activity. Get ready to be inspired and amazed by the power of algae!

Topics covered in this episode:

• The basics of algae
• Diversity and exceptions within algae
• The roles of algae in nature
• The algae studied by Kyle’s group
• Algae biotechnology
• Challenges and gaps in algae cultivation technology and processing
• Observing algae under a microscope
• At-home microbiology activity: Algae Under the Lens: A Microscopic Exploration

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AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/algae-microscope-activity/

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