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The effect of pH levels on the growth rate of diatoms

Shao et al. | Oct 14, 2026

The effect of pH levels on the growth rate of diatoms
Image credit: Cristian Palmer

Here the authors investigated how climate change-induced ocean acidification may impact harmful micro algae such as diatoms that produce large amounts of oxygen in the atmosphere and serve as important food sources for other marine organisms. They evaluated diatom growth rates at current seawater pH levels (8.1) alongside reduced pH levels (7.5 and 6.8). The findings indicate that while diatoms maintain steady growth under moderate acidification (pH 7.5), severe acidification down to pH 6.8 significantly limits their ability to adapt and thrive.

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Development of a pH-sensing hydrogel wound dressing for early infection monitoring for all skin color types

L. Chong et al. | Sep 07, 2026

Development of a pH-sensing hydrogel wound dressing for early infection monitoring for all skin color types

This paper develops a gelatin-based hydrogel dressing infused with bromothymol blue dye that visibly changes from yellow to blue as wound pH rises from 5.0 to 8.0, signaling possible infection. The color shift was visually detectable and statistically significant across all six Fitzpatrick skin tones, suggesting a low-cost ($0.40/dressing) tool for early infection monitoring in settings with limited access to care.

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Developing a neural network to model the mechanical properties of 13-8 PH stainless steel alloy

Zeng et al. | Sep 10, 2023

Developing a neural network to model the mechanical properties of 13-8 PH stainless steel alloy
Image credit: Pixabay

We systematically evaluated the effects of raw material composition, heat treatment, and mechanical properties on 13-8PH stainless steel alloy. The results of the neural network models were in agreement with experimental results and aided in the evaluation of the effects of aging temperature on double shear strength. The data suggests that this model can be used to determine the appropriate 13-8PH alloy aging temperature needed to achieve the desired mechanical properties, eliminating the need for many costly trials and errors through re-heat treatments.

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Effects of Ocean Acidification on the Photosynthetic Ability of Chaetoceros gracilis in the Monterey Bay

Harvell et al. | Jan 16, 2020

Effects of Ocean Acidification on the Photosynthetic Ability of <i>Chaetoceros gracilis</i> in the Monterey Bay

In this article, Harvell and Nicholson hypothesized that increased ocean acidity would decrease the photosynthetic ability of Chaetoceros gracilis, a diatom prolific in Monterey Bay, because of the usually corrosive effects of carbonic acid on both seashells and cells’ internal structures. They altered pH of algae environments and measured the photosynthetic ability of diatoms over four days by spectrophotometer. Overall, their findings indicate that C. gracilis may become more abundant in Monterey Bay as the pH of the ocean continues to drop, potentially contributing to harmful algal blooms.

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