MCB Seminar: Discarded diversity: novel viruses and unusual virus-host interactions in municipal landfills

Featuring Dr. Laura Hug, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Environmental Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Waterloo. 

Viruses are the most abundant microbial entity on the planet, impacting microbial community structure and ecosystem services. Viruses infecting bacteria and archaea have been specifically understudied in engineered environments. Using metagenomic and computational biology methods, we examined the diversity, host-interactions, and genetic systems of viruses across three North American landfills. From giant viral genomes to streamlined CRISPR-Cas systems, municipal landfills housed unique, and surprising viral ecology. Landfills, as heterogeneous contaminated sites with unique selective pressures, are key locations for diverse viruses and atypical virus-host dynamics.

Dr. Hug's research examines the diversity and function of microbial communities in contaminated sites using a combination of 'omics approaches and enrichment culturing. Current research in her group is characterizing the microbial communities colonizing municipal landfills, with foci on methane cycling, bioplastics degradation, and community interactions. Dr. Hug's work has been featured in major news outlets including the New York Times, the Atlantic, Discover Magazine, and on Public Radio International's "The World". She was a featured scientist on a TFO children's show and the BBC Radio 4 program, "Bacteria, the tiny giants," in 2023.

All welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served.