Device Could Warn of Red Tide Bloom

A device tested off the coast of Venice this week could bring researchers a step closer to understanding what causes red tide. The device, called an autonomous microbial genosensor, uses genetic evidence to detect trace amounts of the toxic bloom, before dead fish wash ashore and beachgoers flee the waters after the stench sets in, said David Fries, who leads the Eco-Systems Technology Group at University of South Florida's Center for Ocean Technology.

Article published Aug 12, 2006 By GINNY LAROE virginia.laroe@heraldtribune.com