Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a unique species of bioluminescent phytoplankton called Pyrocystis noctiluca that inflates to six times its original size to travel up to 200 meters from the depths to the ocean’s surface. By utilizing a gravity machine, the team found that the inflated cells are less dense than seawater, allowing them to float upwards and capture sunlight. This inflation is a natural part of the plankton’s cell cycle and acts as a clever way to move through the ocean. The research provides insights into how cells control their density to navigate the water column, with implications for understanding the evolution of plankton.
https://phys.org/news/2024-10-plankton-balloon-size-newly-mode.html