Description

Early in Era-1, a technique was discovered to coax certain types of algae into a symbiotic relationship with the human body.  The result is that the subject’s skin and hair takes on a green hue.  The subject requires less food and less oxygen, due to the photosynthesis of the algae. For this reason, the practice is encouraged by most space colonies.

In preparation, the host has to take a suite of drugs for a month ahead of symbiosis, in order to prepare.  After that, the host is coated with reagents, and submerged in a bioreactor in order to receive the algae. The leading provider of algal-symbiosis technology is Cosmid, inc., one of the largest corporate states.

After symbiosis, the algae has to be maintained.  The host has to consume extra water in order to keep the algae hydrated.  The algae also requires sunlight, and people with algal symbiosis generally wear more revealing clothing and have to sunbathe or use a tanning bed two or three times a week.

Failure to properly maintain the symbiosis results in the algae dying, causing the affected skin to itch, blister, and eventually peel off, taking all the advantages of the algae with it. 

Appearances

Algal symbiosis is mentioned in the short story Beyond the Spozak.