Researchers are delving into the depths of ocean waters and Arctic ice, discovering potential allies in the fight against climate change: viruses. These microscopic entities, once viewed solely as agents of disease, are now being explored for their ability to mitigate carbon emissions.
Spearheaded by scientists like Matthew Sullivan from Ohio State University (OSU), this groundbreaking research aims to leverage viruses to trap carbon in seawater and prevent methane leakage from melting permafrost. Scientists are uncovering viruses with “underwater carbon metabolism,” mechanisms that enable them to consume carbon. Sullivan and his team are utilizing advanced techniques like AI modeling and genome sequencing to identify these viruses, building upon prior research that revealed viruses’ role in the ocean’s carbon-sinking process.
During a presentation at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s conference, Sullivan emphasized the importance of oceans in mitigating climate change, stating, “Oceans soak up carbon, and that buffers us against climate change.” Their research has already identified 128 viruses harboring the desired genes, a discovery that surprised even Sullivan himself.
The research extends beyond oceanic environments to address diverse mechanisms affecting carbon release. Sullivan’s team seeks viruses capable of modulating the release of pollutants, either amplifying or suppressing their impact. Leveraging an AI system developed by Damien Eveillard, the researchers explore the feasibility of engineering the ocean’s biome to combat climate change, acknowledging the potential risks associated with genetic manipulation.
Eveillard’s community metabolic modeling scrutinizes the unintended consequences of altering oceanic ecosystems, ensuring responsible bio-hacking practices. Moreover, the research investigates the potential application of gene hacking in human microbiomes, offering solutions for medical challenges ranging from burn injuries to maternal HIV transmission.
Sullivan articulated the overarching goal of their work, stating, “The overall goal is engineering microbiomes toward what we think is something useful.”
This ambitious endeavor signifies a paradigm shift in leveraging nature’s tiniest inhabitants to address one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: climate change.