Solutions to some of humanity’s sustainability challenges could be developed from what’s being learned about unicellular aquatic organisms. Scientists are looking, for instance, at how the abilities of algae might provide a starting point for developing ways to ensure better food production and water treatments and useful organic compounds. Peter Lammers, a research professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, part of the Fulton Schools, and with ASU’s Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation, notes how these organisms can help to produce complex proteins and carbohydrates that could improve ecological protection by treating wastewater and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, among other similar potential environmental benefits.