Paterson, J. S. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2022

OligoFlow: rapid and sensitive virus quantification using flow cytometry and oligonucleotide hybridization

Flow cytometry is an established method for the detection and enumeration of viruses. However, the technique is unable to target specific viral species. Here, we present OligoFlow, a novel method for the rapid detection and enumeration of viruses by incorporating flow cytometry with species specific oligonucleotide hybridization. Using Ostried herpesvirus and dengue virus as model organisms, we demonstrate high-level detection and specificity. Our results represent a significant advancement in viral flow cytometry, opening the possibilities for the rapid identification of viruses in time critical settings.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Synergy of turbulence and fishing reduce aquatic biomass

A universal scaling relationship exists between organism abundance and body size1,2. Within ocean habitats this relationship deviates from that generally observed in terrestrial systems2-4, where marine macro-fauna display steeper size-abundance scaling than expected. This is indicative of a fundamental shift in food-web organization, yet a conclusive mechanism for this pattern has remained elusive. We demonstrate that while fishing has partially contributed to the reduced abundance of larger organisms, a larger effect comes from ocean turbulence: the energetic cost of movement within a turbulent environment induces additional biomass losses among the nekton. These results identify turbulence as a novel mechanism governing the marine size-abundance distribution, highlighting the complex interplay of biophysical forces that must be considered alongside anthropogenic impacts in processes governing marine ecosystems.

ecology↗