New Study Reveals Seasonal Patterns of Viruses in Freshwater Ecosystems
Insights from IIT Madras on Virus Behavior
New Delhi, June 2: A recent investigation by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has unveiled that viruses exhibit seasonal and annual cycles, coinciding with a new surge of Covid-19 cases linked to SARS-CoV2.
This international research, conducted in collaboration with scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Texas at Austin, concentrated on viruses found in freshwater lakes.
Employing advanced Machine Learning (ML) techniques, the team analyzed 465 lake samples from Madison, Wisconsin, collected over a span of more than two decades, marking the longest DNA-based environmental monitoring effort globally.
Through a technique known as metagenomics, the researchers sequenced all DNA from these lakes, successfully reconstructing 1.3 million viral genomes.
The study provided insights into how viruses adapt to seasonal changes, evolve over decades, and respond to environmental variations.
According to the researchers, "Viruses exhibit predictable seasonal and yearly patterns, with many reappearing annually," as detailed in their publication in the Nature Microbiology Journal.
They further noted that viruses can acquire genes from their hosts, repurposing them for their own advantage, and that some viral genes become more prevalent through natural selection.
The research highlighted the essential roles viruses play within ecosystems, influencing environmental conditions and supporting various organisms.
The team identified 578 viral genes that contribute to crucial processes such as photosynthesis and methane utilization, underscoring the beneficial impact of viruses on ecosystem health and stability.
Dr. Karthik Anantharaman, a Visiting Professor at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI at IIT Madras, emphasized the importance of tracking viruses, stating, "The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity of understanding how viruses emerge, evolve, and interact with their surroundings. This knowledge is vital for pandemic response and recognizing their ecological significance. However, long-term studies of viral communities in natural settings are scarce."
He added that the lack of comprehensive data creates a significant knowledge gap, which impedes our ability to predict the impact of viruses on human health and environmental stability. Investing in long-term viral monitoring is crucial for preparing for future outbreaks and understanding the complex roles viruses play in maintaining planetary health.
Furthermore, the study of viruses in freshwater systems could revolutionize our approach to managing water resources, natural ecosystems, and public health, paving the way for innovative ecosystem management strategies, including the use of viruses to restore balance in polluted lakes.