For the red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis, which grows in scraggly clumps, this is a particular problem. Its male gametes, or spermatia, lack flexible flagella to propel them through the water.

Until now, scientists believed the red algae – Gracilaria gracilis – relies on water movement for the dispersal of its male gametes or spermatia.

Afalla prepared noodles from Gracilaria seaweed, milkfish scrap powder, flour and salt. The technology is best suited for regions such as the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley where Gracilaria seaweed is ...