Microbiologists at the Arctic Floating University will be conduct a first-ever search for giant viruses, the size of which can be compared to that of bacteria. Water samples in the high-latitude Arctic regions were taken from a depth of 25 meters, soil samples will also be taken, TASS reports.
Previously, scientists have already found the DNA of several genera of giant viruses, including in the material of patients with respiratory infections. Therefore, it is impossible to completely rule out the possibility that these viruses can cause infections in humans. Some of these viruses were found in samples taken from deceased prehistoric animals preserved in permafrost soils in Yakutia.
At the same time, giant viruses have their own virus-specific parasites (virophages). Scientists believe that the ecology of giant viruses needs to be studied, to find out whom they can infect and whether they can be pathogenic.
The official sponsors and partners of the Arctic Floating University are the Government of the Arkhangelsk Region, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Russian Geographical Society, Norilsk Nickel, the Russian Arctic National Park and others.
Alex Shishlo, Chief Editor of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
