Researchers at the University of Manchester (UK) investigated the metabolism of microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which holds great potential for future industrial biotechnology applications. This research uncovered that the typical lipid and starch accumulation by these microalgae during phosphorous starvation did not occur in the presence of mutant transcription factor PSR1. The Cellometer ensured accurate cell counts throughout experimentation. This work reports that PSR1 has significant control over the global metabolism of these cells, and that knowledge is of great importance to those who plan to develop microalgae to one-day produce pharmaceuticals, foods, and energy. Read the full publication here.