FAU researcher Aditya Nayak has helped develop a new tool for the early detection of red tide, a harmful algae bloom. AUTOHOLO, an autonomous holographic imaging system, monitors algae blooms in real-time and would provide crucial information to prevent human exposure and minimize harm to marine life.

“Since typical red tide cell sizes are well within the instrument resolution range, all bloom phases can be monitored and tracked, including initial bloom development,” said Nayak. The system, which is being tested off the Florida coast, uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to predict and alert authorities about red tide events, helping to prevent health risks and economic losses.

• Malcolm McFarland
• Aditya Nayak