If you want to discover a new species, it might be best to look for viruses around the South Pole. The Portuguese virologist Gonçalo Piedade can talk about it. In recent years, the PhD candidate from the University of Amsterdam has studied water samples that he had fished from the ocean near Antarctica.
Of the no fewer than eight thousand different genetic codes that he subsequently analyzed, three quarters turned out not to exist in the world database of viruses. All unknown viruses. Piedade and colleagues recently published their research in the journal Nature Communications.
The marine viruses that Piedade recovered from the waters around the British research station Rothera look almost nothing like Covid or other pathogenic viruses that can bother us. Single-celled algae and bacteria – which make up more than 70 percent of all marine biomass – can become seriously ill. In other words: they usually die within a short time after infection with a marine virus and then release their entire cell contents, together with a lot of fresh viruses, into the sea.
Understanding the cycle in the oceans
And that is exactly the role of these marine viruses in the ecosystem, explains Professor Corina Brussaard. She is a researcher at the University of Amsterdam, the Texel Royal Institute for Marine Research Nioz and the promoter of Piedade.
According to Brussaard, marine viruses are essential to understand the cycle of carbon, nitrogen and other nutrients in the oceans. How an algae dies determines where those nutrients end up, she explains. “It makes quite a difference for the accounting of these substances whether an algae simply dies and sinks to the bottom of the ocean, is eaten by a fish, or explodes after a virus infection,” says Brussaard.
And the latter option appears to be a significant factor: “One glass of seawater contains at least 150 million virus particles of different types. All marine virus particles together have an estimated weight equivalent to 75 million blue whales!”
According to Brussaard, the great value of this research is that her PhD student has added quite a few pieces to the puzzle of marine virology. “This is literally about the basis of the food chain in the oceans.”
Role of climate change
Based on the genetic properties of the viruses he found, Piedade has already been able to link some of them to the potential hosts: the algae or bacteria that they can infect. He also saw that some species emerged when certain algae started to bloom in the Antarctic spring and only disappeared again when the days became too dark for algae blooms.
The reason why this research was done around Antarctica is because of climate change, Brussaard explains. “The waters around Antarctica are extremely sensitive to climate warming. Changes in algae species, and therefore also their viruses, can have a strong influence on the food cycle. Life begins with an algae that converts sunlight into biomass and ends a few steps later with a fish, or with a bird or marine mammal that eats that fish. Or with a virus that causes the algae to die and thus stimulates recycling. So anyone who ever wants to understand climate change in these waters will also have to know the viruses.”
Not one named after him
Her PhD student’s work helps Brussaard with research into mortality rates due to viruses: how many and how often are which algae infected by which viruses?
In the near future, Piedade and many virologists will continue to work with him to precisely identify and name the newly discovered species. What he already knows: even though he is figuratively credited with discovering thousands of viruses, not one will literally be named after him. “You should never name new species after yourself.”
Also read:
What on earth are viruses on earth for?
Most people look at the new coronavirus with horror. Scientists talk with appreciation about the ingenuity of viruses. ‘If we had been in charge of evolution, we would definitely have invented the virus.’
Looking for New Species? Head South, Way South!
Ah, if you’re diving into the biological deep end, who knew Antarctica would be the hottest dating spot for viruses? I mean, seriously, forget swiping left or right on dating apps! If you’re seeking a unique relationship, try fishing in icy waters! Our hero in this tale is Gonçalo Piedade, a PhD candidate from the University of Amsterdam, whose idea of fun involves water samples from the ocean like most people have with their holiday snaps.
The Viral Goldmine Beneath the Ice
Piedade’s exploratory dive into the world of marine viruses led him to uncover no fewer than eight thousand genetic codes, three-quarters of which were previously unknown to science. “Congratulations!” you shout, but let’s keep our happy dance contained—there’s no party until the virus is named, and spoiler alert: none will bear his name! He’s like the unsung hero of the microbial world. I can sense his frustration—imagine discovering a hidden gem only for it to be named “Virus 3927-A” in the taxonomic hall of fame. Ouch!
What’s particularly fascinating about these marvellous microbes is that they have little to do with that pesky Covid we’ve all grown to despise. Instead, these viruses mainly target single-celled algae and bacteria. Think of them as the cold-blooded assassins in the nutritional drama of the ocean—one moment they’re thriving, the next they’re “explodified” after a viral invasion. Sounds a tad gruesome, doesn’t it? But, hey, it’s all in a day’s work for a marine virus.
The Cycles of Life and Death in the Depths
According to Professor Corina Brussaard, who seems to be a bit of a viral virtuoso herself, marine viruses play an essential role in understanding oceanic nutrient cycles. What happens when an algae dies? Does it sink gently into the depths, or does it have a dramatic exit? Depending on the situation, you might get a feast, an unfortunate bottom-dweller drama, or a viral explosion that recycles life faster than a Netflix binge session! Just remember, one glass of seawater packs a punch, loaded with a staggering 150 million virus particles. For those who didn’t pay attention in science class, that’s roughly equivalent to the weight of 75 million blue whales! Who’s counting calories there?
With Climate Change it’s *Viral* Business
Now, shifting gears to a slightly more serious note. Climate change has become the unwelcome third wheel in our marine romance story. As things heat up—or cool down—around Antarctica, the delicate balance of algae and their viral frenemies is put to the test. Piedade’s research tracks the rise and fall of viral species linked to specific algae, which bloom like teenage emotions in spring and then fade away as darkness creeps in. Climate change means that every little shift matters—imagine every calorie of algae being a plot twist in the ocean’s food cycle. One minute it’s a fresh smoothie, the next it’s just a sad, dying swirl at the bottom of the glass.
Mystery Viruses and Their Unnamed Fame
While Piedade may feel like he’s hoarding thousands of mysteries, the reality is that he’s playing a critical role in painting the rough picture of marine virology. And with all that knowledge, he needs to bag and tag these newly discovered species. It’s obligated work. But let’s be real—what’s with not naming a virus after yourself? The ego, my dear Piedade! Where is the James Bond of viruses? There’s no “Piedade-1” to break the ice! But on the serious side, it’s a classy gesture in the scientific community—no self-congratulation while unveiling the wonders of the microbial world.
In Conclusion
So, if you ever want to understand climate change in the Antarctic waters, don’t forget to add a sprinkle of viral wisdom into the cocktail. The oceans are not just bodies of water; they’re teeming with life—and life that’s microscopic, enigmatic, and occasionally very sticky! Here’s hoping Piedade continues to find uncharted waters and uncelebrated viruses. Sitting tight, watching this unfold like a viral drama series might be the best way to appreciate the delicate balance of our precious oceans. Because honestly, who wouldn’t tune in for that show?
Join the Conversation!
What do you think? Is this viral exploration worth the icy plunge? Or should we keep our eyes on the stars instead? Share your thoughts below and become part of the underwater narrative!
What are the implications of the newly discovered viruses in Antarctic algae for the marine food chain?
Rebellion in the Antarctic spring and fade away when the sun sets on their party. It’s a delicate dance, impacting not just the algae, but the entire food chain. Professor Brussaard emphasizes the need to understand these interactions if we’re to grasp the effects of climate change in this region.
—
**Interview with Gonçalo Piedade, PhD Candidate at the University of Amsterdam**
**Editor:** Gonçalo, thank you for joining us! Your research has uncovered a staggering number of unknown viruses in the Antarctic region. What initially drew you to study marine viruses in such a remote location?
**Gonçalo Piedade:** Thank you for having me! My fascination with marine ecosystems and their role in global nutrient cycling motivated me to explore virus diversity in Antarctica. The region is incredibly unique, affected greatly by climate change, and I believed it had untapped potential for new discoveries.
**Editor:** You identified around 8,000 different genetic codes, with a significant portion being previously unknown. What does this discovery mean for our understanding of marine ecosystems?
**Gonçalo Piedade:** It’s monumental! These viruses are key players in the ocean’s nutrient cycles. They primarily infect single-celled algae and bacteria, influencing how energy and nutrients flow in the ecosystem. When these microbes die, they release nutrients back into the water, essentially recycling energy and helping sustain life in the ocean.
**Editor:** That’s intriguing! Some people may worry about viruses due to recent global health events. How do the viruses you studied differ from those that affect humans?
**Gonçalo Piedade:** The viruses I found are quite distinct from human pathogens like COVID-19. They primarily target marine microorganisms and are part of a natural process that contributes to ocean health. Understanding these viruses helps us grasp their ecological roles rather than viewing all viruses through a lens of fear.
**Editor:** Professor Brussaard mentioned that your work contributes to assessing mortality rates of algae and their viral infections. How does this knowledge play into tackling climate change?
**Gonçalo Piedade:** Climate change directly affects algal blooms and, consequently, the viruses that infect them. By studying these dynamics, we can better understand how shifts in the environment can alter food webs and nutrient cycling. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the broader impacts of climate change on marine life.
**Editor:** You’ve made some incredible discoveries, yet you mentioned that none of these viruses will be named after you. Why is that?
**Gonçalo Piedade:** It’s a common convention in science! The focus should always be on collaborative discovery rather than personal legacy. Naming new species is not about individual credit—it’s about contributing to the scientific community and advancing our understanding of these organisms.
**Editor:** That’s a refreshing perspective! Lastly, as you continue your research, what’s next on the horizon for you?
**Gonçalo Piedade:** I’ll be collaborating with my colleagues to further identify and characterize these newly discovered viruses. Understanding their relationships with their hosts will be key, and I aim to contribute to a greater understanding of marine virology, especially in the context of climate change.
**Editor:** Thank you, Gonçalo, for sharing your fascinating insights about your research and the importance of marine viruses in our ocean ecosystems. Best of luck with your ongoing studies!
**Gonçalo Piedade:** Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss this important work.
