Algen: Ein unbekannter Rohstoff

In the Faroe Islands, a team of biologists is studying these marine plants with the aim of improving salmon farming and avoiding the need for drugs or chemicals. In Munich, others are working on a tiny algae whose high oil content could eventually replace petroleum. The carbon fiber obtained from it is a real match for fossil fuels. In France, a tower resembling a Morris column is being used to purify the air. The tower absorbs one tonne of CO₂ per year - the equivalent of several dozen trees - and converts it into oxygen.

• Almut FaassDirector