Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
As part of the “Arctic Floating University” expedition, scientists collected unique samples from islands in the Arctic Ocean, achieving remarkable preliminary results in the lab. These giant viruses were found to be 30 times larger than typical viruses. For instance, the size of SARS-CoV-2 virions, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic, ranges from 50 to 200 nanometers, whereas the giant virus discovered in Yakutia’s permafrost is 1500 nanometers long, making it visible under a standard light microscope.
These viruses also stand out for their complex genome, which differs significantly from other virus groups. Research on these giant viruses, a relatively recent field, is one of the most pressing topics in global microbiology.
In 2024, researchers from the “Arctic Floating University” conducted the first-ever search for giant viruses in the high-latitude Arctic, specifically in the Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya archipelagos.
Significance of the Discoveries and the Arctic Ecosystem
Dr. Artemy Goncharov, a medical sciences expert from the Institute of Experimental Medicine, highlighted the groundbreaking potential of this research. He stated:
“We believe that Arctic ecosystems could harbor unique representatives of this group of viruses, opening new avenues for biology.”
Giant viruses have previously been found in fossilized animals preserved in Yakutia’s permafrost, some dating back over 30,000 years. Their origins and evolutionary processes remain unclear, as does their potential threat to humans, making them a subject of intense study.
Details of the Scientific Expedition
The “Arctic Floating University” expedition was conducted during the summer aboard the research vessel Professor Molchanov. Under the leadership of Dr. Goncharov and his young colleague Ivan Gorokhov, the team collected rare samples from remote Arctic islands, including soil, permafrost, seawater, lake water, and traces of polar animal activity.
The expedition follows a “learning through research” principle, where young scientists participate in real projects guided by experienced mentors. Ivan Gorokhov, embarking on his first Arctic journey, may become part of significant scientific breakthroughs.
Initial Findings and Laboratory Analysis
After the expedition, samples are analyzed in laboratories in St. Petersburg. Microbiologists extract total DNA from the samples, sequence it, and identify viral genomes if present. Dr. Goncharov shared the first results, stating:
“We found DNA sequences of these viruses in soil samples collected from bird colonies in the Franz Josef Land archipelago.”
About the “Arctic Floating University”
The “Arctic Floating University” is a scientific and educational initiative launched in 2012 by the Northern (Arctic) Federal University and the Northern Administration for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring. The project has received the “Crystal Compass” award from the Russian Geographical Society.
The 2024 expedition was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, the Government of Arkhangelsk Region, the Russian Geographical Society, Rosgidromet, VTB Bank, Norilsk Nickel, the Russian Arctic National Park, and other scientific and educational organizations.
The ongoing analysis of the collected samples is expected to deepen our understanding of Arctic ecosystems and their unique inhabitants, potentially paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in biology.
