LSC: Operation of UTEX Culture Collecton of Algae

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A grant has been awarded to the University of Texas at Austin under the direction of Dr. Jerry J. Brand to support the UTEX Culture Collection of Algae, a research and teaching resource of more than 2,600 strains of algae and cyanobacteria. The collection provides cultures to users for researchers in the United States and worldwide. More than 600 new strains have been accessioned into the collection in the past five years. A frequently updated web page provides a means for ordering algae, as well as information on the biology and culture of these organisms. UTEX has responded to users' requests to provide high-resolution digital images. The Algal Collection also provides bulk volumes of culture media, and a DNA extracting service at a nominal cost. An increasing number of strains are cryopreserved, a method of preservation that requires less labor and enhanced long-term accessibility to the cultures. The collection is cited in hundreds of peer reviewed articles each year, in projects ranging from algae as animal and human food supplements, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other applications. The award will support the personnel to maintain the UTEX collection, including student workers who will be trained in algal biology. An annual "algae in water supplies" workshop is presented to employees of municipal water-quality laboratories in Texas as part of educational activities.