Researchers at the University of Miami have discovered 230 new giant viruses in global ocean waters, shedding light on their hidden role in marine ecosystems and their potential impact on public health.
Tiny marine organisms such as algae, amoebas, and flagellates form the backbone of the ocean food chain—but viruses that infect them could significantly influence their growth, survival, and ecological functions. In some cases, these giant viruses may even trigger harmful algal blooms that threaten public health.
In a recent study published by researchers at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, scientists uncovered 230 previously unknown giant viruses by analyzing global ocean data with advanced computational tools.
The team also identified 530 new proteins encoded by these viruses, including nine linked to photosynthesis—indicating the viruses may interfere with the way their microscopic hosts harness sunlight for energy.
“Giant viruses are often the main cause of death for many phytoplankton, which serve as the base of the food web supporting ocean ecosystems and food sources,” said Mohammad Moniruzzaman, a co-author of the study. “The novel functions found in giant viruses could have biotechnological potential, as some of these functions might represent novel enzymes.”
Understanding the diversity and function of giant viruses could also help predict and manage harmful algal blooms—events that pose growing risks to ecosystems and human health in places like Florida.
To identify these elusive viruses, researchers developed a new computational tool named BEREN. Unlike previous methods, BEREN provides an all-in-one solution for detecting and classifying giant viruses in DNA sequencing datasets.
Using BEREN, the team analyzed data from nine major ocean sampling projects. After extracting the viral genomes, scientists used public gene databases to determine the biological roles of viral genes and compared them to known virus genomes to identify new functions.
Lead author Benjamin Minch, a doctoral student at the Rosenstiel School, noted that many of the viruses carry genes involved in critical cell functions such as carbon metabolism and photosynthesis—functions usually exclusive to living cells. This discovery suggests that giant viruses may significantly alter the metabolism of their hosts and influence vital marine chemical cycles.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
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