Photobioreactors complicated systems of transparent piping through which alga-rich water is pumped overcome those problems, but they cost a lot and are hard to keep clean.
By searching for genetic sequences similar to regA in the burgeoning databases of genes that now exist, they found one in a unicellular alga called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
The pro-presidential party block known as Alga Kirgizstan, thought to be controlled by Mr Akaev's daughter, Bermet, has become increasingly active over the past few months in preparation for parliamentary elections next February.