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The Curious World of Seaweed: Glue, Candy, and Methane Emissions

Seaweed has unusual properties that are useful for school science projects. Let us look at some of the more interesting ones, which could be developed into business ventures and other projects.

Dr. Daiga Helmeste—Associate Adjunct Professor (R) at the University of California, Irvine and science news editor for the Institute of Brain Medicine
Dr. Daiga Helmeste—Associate Adjunct Professor (R) at the University of California, Irvine and science news editor for the Institute of Brain Medicine

Glue

Researchers in New Zealand are looking at different seaweeds to see if they could be used as an inspiration for a commercial wet-resistant glue. Kelp, for example, has a strong adhesive which allows it to stay anchored underwater in rough seas. If you are interested in this type of research, Dr. Simone Dimartino and his colleagues have published several research reports in this area (check out the International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives [volume 75, 2017, pages 114-123]). There is also interest in using kelp derivatives as a wet-resistant glue for aquatic environments or as an alternative to staples, to help repair tissue tears or bone fractures.

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