Photo Credit: University of Vermont
Researchers from the University of Vermont, aiming to uncover the hidden microbial world within Arctic snow, used cutting-edge, field-deployable technologies to perform metagenomic analyses, revealing a diverse array of microorganisms previously undetected in this extreme environment.
Advancements in microbial ecology tools have recently enabled scientists to explore polar environments with unprecedented precision. Innovative sampling instruments, such as the Concentrating Pipette™, allow for the concentration of large volumes of environmental liquids like melted snow, enhancing the detection of elusive microbes. Additionally, high-output DNA sequencers have become instrumental in identifying microorganisms that traditional culturing methods often miss.
In this particular study, snow samples were carefully collected from untouched snowfields near Ilulissat, Greenland. These samples underwent concentration and analysis using psychrophilic culture techniques and advanced shotgun sequencing platforms by Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. The findings revealed a rich and varied microbiome comprising bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
Given the low concentration of microorganisms in snow, concentrating substantial volumes is crucial. Using the InnovaPrep Concentrating Pipette system achieved a remarkable 4,000-fold enrichment of melted snow samples exceeding 2 liters. This on-site concentration, coupled with ethanol preservation, facilitated a comprehensive profiling of the snow's microbiome.
This study sheds light on the complex microbial ecosystems thriving in Arctic snow and underscores the importance of innovative technologies in uncovering the mysteries of our planet's most remote environments.
Read the Publication:
Microbiome and Microbial Profiling of Arctic Snow Using Whole Genome Sequencing, Psychrophilic Culturing, and Novel Sampling Techniques. Tighe, et al. Journal of Biomolecular Techniques 2025
