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Cheating is a behavior not limited to humans, animals and plants. Even microscopically small, single-celled algae do it, a team of researchers has discovered. When those 'cheaters' are cultured with their toxic counterparts, they can still benefit from the toxins produced by their cooperative neighbors - they are true 'free riders.' Future research into the social side of toxic algae could open up new approaches to control or counteract toxic algal blooms, which can pose serious threats to human health and wipe out local fisheries. [Source: University of Arizona]
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