Carbohydrate produced by bacteria triggers marine biofouling

The marine tubeworm Hydroides elegans is a major problem for the shipping industry, as it coats the hulls and propellers of ships, as well as piers, nets of mariculture facilities, and the pipes that bring cooling sea water to electrical and industrial facilities. But what causes this marine invertebrate—that starts as a tiny, swimming larva—to settle onto … Continue reading Carbohydrate produced by bacteria triggers marine biofouling