Cyanobacteria Producing Neurotoxin N-Methylamino-l-Alanine Discovered
Cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae, are a type of bacteria found in both fresh and saltwater. While they can be beneficial to aquatic ecosystems, they can also be dangerous. Recently, researchers discovered a neurotoxin produced by certain cyanobacteria called N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). BMAA is a potent neurotoxin that can cause nerve cell death, leading to a range of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Researchers have now found that BMAA can be produced by several cyanobacteria species, which could have a major impact on aquatic health. In addition to being a potential cause of neurological diseases, BMAA could also be a contributor to the global decline of fish and wildlife populations. The presence of this neurotoxin in aquatic environments could cause significant damage and should be monitored closely.
source: Phys.org