Project: Meet 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.
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.
Ecosystem Role & Movement, Marimos help their environment by: Producing oxygen through photosynthesis, benefiting fish and aquatic plants.
Filtering water, removing pollutants, and maintaining balance. Providing shelter for tiny organisms. They float when oxygen bubbles form and sink when photosynthesis stops or water is stirred. Pollution and tourism threaten Marimo populations. Conservation efforts in Lake Akan work to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.
Researchers explore Marimos as eco-friendly sensors that detect environmental changes and perform mechanical actions, making them a sustainable alternative to synthetic sensors.File:Fomes Fomentarius Hyphen documentation.pdf
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