Galanthus nivalis can be helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, though it is not a cure. Snowdrops contain also an active lectin or agglutinin named GNA for "Galanthus nivalis agglutinin". Potatoes have been genetically modified with the GNA gene. In 1998 Árpád Pusztai said in an interview on a World in Action programme that his group had observed damage to the intestines and immune systems of rats fed the genetically modified potatoes. He also said "If I had the choice I would certainly not eat it", and that "I find it's very unfair to use our fellow citizens as guinea pigs".
Chlamydomonas nivalis have been found on the surface of "C. nivalis" cysts. The unknown bacteria were not detected in control samples that did not contain "C. nivalis" which strongly suggests that it must be associated with the algae. Another bacterium, "Mesorhizobium loti", was found as contamination in a "C. nivalis" culture, but further testing suggested that this bacteria may be synthesizing vitamin B12 for the algae. In cryoconite holes "C. nivalis" can be found among bacteria, virus-like particles, ciliates, and Chlorophyte species. Ice worms have also been found to live preferentially under "C. nivalis" in glaciers, possibly using the algae as a