Algae Shake (IMAGE) Ohio State University Caption Microcystis (left), a type of blue-green algae, has been blooming in freshwater lakes across the United States this summer. It secretes a toxin which causes liver damage in animals including humans. Credit Tom Bridgeman, University of Toledo, courtesy of Ohio Sea Grant. Usage Restrictions News media use only License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.