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Project: Meet Marimo | '''Project: Meet Marimo - ongoing Project''' | ||
In this experiment, we get to know Marimo. Through '''microscopic observation''', you can see that Marimos '''perform photosynthesis'''—they release tiny oxygen bubbles. Look closely—maybe you can spot them! | In this experiment, we get to know Marimo. Through '''microscopic observation''', you can see that Marimos '''perform photosynthesis'''—they release tiny oxygen bubbles. Look closely—maybe you can spot them! | ||
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At the '''smallest magnification''' under the microscope, you can observe individual structures of '''Aegagropila linnaei''': '''Algal filament cells''': Small, chain-like structures that form the dense network of the Marimo. '''Chloroplasts''': Tiny green organelles that capture light for photosynthesis—this is where oxygen is produced '''Oxygen bubbles''': Small, clear spheres attached to the algae filaments—visible proof of active photosynthesis. '''Bacteria or microorganisms''': Sometimes, you may see tiny life forms that live in '''symbiosis''' with the Marimo. | At the '''smallest magnification''' under the microscope, you can observe individual structures of '''Aegagropila linnaei''': '''Algal filament cells''': Small, chain-like structures that form the dense network of the Marimo. '''Chloroplasts''': Tiny green organelles that capture light for photosynthesis—this is where oxygen is produced '''Oxygen bubbles''': Small, clear spheres attached to the algae filaments—visible proof of active photosynthesis. '''Bacteria or microorganisms''': Sometimes, you may see tiny life forms that live in '''symbiosis''' with the Marimo. | ||
Watch carefully—how do the bubbles change when you shine light on the Marimo? | Watch carefully—how do the bubbles change when you shine light on the Marimo? | ||
Marimo balls are round green algae found in cool lakes in Japan, Iceland, Estonia, and Scotland, especially in Lake Akan, Japan. Their name comes from the Japanese words mari (ball) and mo (algae). They grow slowly, only 5 mm per year, and can reach 30 cm in size. | Short Discription: [[File:Marimo.jpg|thumb|659x659px]]Marimo balls are round green algae found in cool lakes in Japan, Iceland, Estonia, and Scotland, especially in Lake Akan, Japan. Their name comes from the Japanese words mari (ball) and mo (algae). They grow slowly, only 5 mm per year, and can reach 30 cm in size. | ||
Their soft, velvety texture and ability to roll with water currents help them thrive in low light and cold temperatures. Marimos are symbols of luck and harmony in Japan, celebrated at the Marimo Festival. Beyond culture, they are natural water purifiers, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Scientists study them as biosensors to monitor water quality and as potential living machines for movement-based technology. | Their soft, velvety texture and ability to roll with water currents help them thrive in low light and cold temperatures. Marimos are symbols of luck and harmony in Japan, celebrated at the Marimo Festival. Beyond culture, they are natural water purifiers, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Scientists study them as biosensors to monitor water quality and as potential living machines for movement-based technology. | ||
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[[File:48a0369748be0a6ee374a79390663e07.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:48a0369748be0a6ee374a79390663e07.jpg|thumb]] | ||
[[File:Th.jpg|thumb|303x303px]] | [[File:Th.jpg|thumb|303x303px]] | ||
[[File:LX8TZIjA.jpg|thumb| | [[File:LX8TZIjA.jpg|thumb|579x579px]] | ||
Researchers explore Marimos as eco-friendly sensors that detect environmental changes and perform mechanical actions, making them a sustainable alternative to synthetic sensors. | Researchers explore Marimos as eco-friendly sensors that detect environmental changes and perform mechanical actions, making them a sustainable alternative to synthetic sensors. | ||
[[File:Marimo microscope.jpg|thumb|687x687px]] | [[File:Marimo microscope.jpg|thumb|687x687px]] | ||
[[File:6FFCCWTw.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:6FFCCWTw.jpg|thumb]][[File:Photo 2025-02-25 23-51-45.jpg|thumb]] | ||
=== Biography of Marimo Balls: The Fascinating World of Living Algae Spheres === | === Biography of Marimo Balls: The Fascinating World of Living Algae Spheres === | ||
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Despite their resilience, Marimo balls are threatened by human activities such as pollution and tourism. The habitats of many natural populations have diminished. Conservation programs, such as those at Lake Akan, aim to preserve their environment and promote the natural reproduction of these algae. | Despite their resilience, Marimo balls are threatened by human activities such as pollution and tourism. The habitats of many natural populations have diminished. Conservation programs, such as those at Lake Akan, aim to preserve their environment and promote the natural reproduction of these algae. | ||
<u>Relationship with Water Ecosystems</u> | <u>Relationship with Water Ecosystems</u> | ||
Marimo balls thrive in freshwater lakes, where their survival depends on the dynamic balance of light, temperature, nutrients, and water movement. In return, they contribute to the ecosystem by: | Marimo balls thrive in freshwater lakes, where their survival depends on the dynamic balance of light, temperature, nutrients, and water movement. | ||
In return, they contribute to the ecosystem by: | |||
- Providing Oxygen: Through photosynthesis, Marimos release oxygen into the water, supporting aquatic life. This benefits other organisms like fish and smaller aquatic plants. | - Providing Oxygen: Through photosynthesis, Marimos release oxygen into the water, supporting aquatic life. This benefits other organisms like fish and smaller aquatic plants. | ||
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- Filtering the Environment: They absorb nutrients and pollutants from the water, helping maintain a cleaner, more balanced ecosystem. | - Filtering the Environment: They absorb nutrients and pollutants from the water, helping maintain a cleaner, more balanced ecosystem. | ||
<u>Interaction with Watercurrents</u> | |||
[[File:Pap-ihoA.jpg|thumb|[[File:Ohne Titel.mov|thumb|0x0px]]|353x353px]]<u>Interaction with Watercurrents</u> | |||
Water currents play a crucial role in shaping Marimo balls into their distinctive spherical form. This interaction benefits the algae by: | Water currents play a crucial role in shaping Marimo balls into their distinctive spherical form. This interaction benefits the algae by: | ||
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- Preventing sediment accumulation on their surface, which would block light and hinder growth. In turn, the algae ball adapts to the currents, rolling and growing symmetrically, demonstrating a cooperative relationship with its physical environment. | - Preventing sediment accumulation on their surface, which would block light and hinder growth. In turn, the algae ball adapts to the currents, rolling and growing symmetrically, demonstrating a cooperative relationship with its physical environment. | ||
<u>Microhabitat Provider</u> | <u>Microhabitat Provider</u> | ||
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Marimo balls perform photosynthesis when exposed to light, producing oxygen that accumulates in tiny bubbles on their surface. | Marimo balls perform photosynthesis when exposed to light, producing oxygen that accumulates in tiny bubbles on their surface. | ||
- Rising: When enough oxygen bubbles form, the Marimo ball becomes lighter and rises because the bubbles increase buoyancy. | - Rising: When enough oxygen bubbles form, the Marimo ball becomes lighter and rises because the bubbles increase buoyancy. | ||
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- Movement supports sinking: If the water is stirred (e.g., by waves or pumps), it can help release trapped oxygen bubbles, causing the Marimo to sink again. | - Movement supports sinking: If the water is stirred (e.g., by waves or pumps), it can help release trapped oxygen bubbles, causing the Marimo to sink again. | ||
[[File:Photo 2025-02-25 23-50-27.jpg|thumb|543x543px]] | |||
<u>Marimo Balls: A Natural and Ecological Alternative to Synthetic Sensors</u> | <u>Marimo Balls: A Natural and Ecological Alternative to Synthetic Sensors</u> | ||
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- Actuators: Marimo balls could perform actions in response to signals, such as changing position or activating small devices. | - Actuators: Marimo balls could perform actions in response to signals, such as changing position or activating small devices. | ||
In comparison, synthetic chemical sensors are based on artificial materials and technologies that detect specific chemicals or changes in the chemical environment. They consist of a sensing material that reacts with the target chemical, a transducer that converts this reaction into an electronic signal, and a processing unit that displays the results. There are various types of such sensors, including gas sensors, which detect gases like oxygen or methane; ion sensors, which measure specific ions in liquids; and optical sensors, which detect changes in light caused by chemical reactions. A subset of these sensors are biosensors, which combine synthetic components with biological elements. | In comparison, synthetic chemical sensors are based on artificial materials and technologies that detect specific chemicals or changes in the chemical environment. They consist of a sensing material that reacts with the target chemical, a transducer that converts this reaction into an electronic signal, and a processing unit that displays the results. | ||
There are various types of such sensors, including gas sensors, which detect gases like oxygen or methane; ion sensors, which measure specific ions in liquids; and optical sensors, which detect changes in light caused by chemical reactions. A subset of these sensors are biosensors, which combine synthetic components with biological elements. | |||
Synthetic chemical sensors offer high sensitivity, fast and accurate measurements, and are often compact and easy to integrate. However, they are often expensive, have a limited lifespan, and sometimes use non-biodegradable materials. In contrast, living biosensors like Marimo balls utilize biological reactions as their mechanism and provide a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative for many applications. This research demonstrates how Marimo balls could offer an innovative way to monitor ecosystems while preserving the environment.[[File:Meet Marimo- The Guardians of Lake Akan.wav|thumb|Audio Story- MEET MARIMO]][[File:Photo 2025-02-26 00-06-56.jpg|thumb|561x561px]]- They grow naturally, requiring no complex manufacturing. | |||
- They act as ecological filters, absorbing impurities and contributing to water health. | |||
In the exibithion the project included an interactive, sensory exploration of Marimo balls. Visitors could engage with the algae through soundscapes, scientific narratives, and personal storytelling. The goal was to foster a deeper connection with these living organisms and highlight their potential as sustainable environmental allies. | |||
By testing the Marimo balls' ability to act as ecological filters and documenting their performance through a blend of scientific analysis and artistic storytelling, this project challenges the dominance of synthetic sensors and explores the symbiosis of nature and technology. This experiment will in the future test the ecological benefits of Marimo balls in an aquarium with initially murky water. | |||
By monitoring pH levels, the study will evaluate their impact on water quality. Visual documentation, including photos and auditory storytelling, accompanied the process, blending science with sensory engagement. | |||
Marimo balls exemplify the harmony between nature and technology, offering insights into sustainable practices while challenging the reliance on synthetic solutions. | |||
Now you have a glimpse of Marimo too! | |||
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