In a new doctoral thesis from NMBU, Melcy Philip aims to develop rapid and efficient bioinformatic methods to predict the impact of aquaculture on the seafloor. The new methods could revolutionize the monitoring of seabed sediments and marine biodiversity.
IThe doctoral work of Melcy Philip aimed in developing rapid, efficient bioinformatic approaches for predicting the impact of aquaculture sites on the benthic regions using Nanopore 16S rRNA gene data.
Here, she answers four important questions about her research:
Why it is important to do research in this area?
The marine ecosystem plays a critical role in environmental health, yet it is highly impacted by human activities. This calls for regular monitoring to mitigate damage to the seafloor and allow sufficient recovery time. However, current monitoring methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require significant expertise. Implementing faster, more efficient monitoring techniques to support the existing system is therefore essential.
What was the goal of the work?
The goal of this thesis was to develop bioinformatic approaches for predicting the impact of aquaculture sites on the benthic regions using latest environmental DNA based approach, where we use Nanopore 16S rRNA gene data.
What findings you have made?
The study demonstrated that, with necessary bioinformatic tools and databases, Nanopore 16S rRNA gene data can be used to predict the ecological state of the seafloor. Further research could support in implementing this approach as a method for monitoring seafloor sediments and assessing marine biodiversity.
What significance can your research work have for the subject area and in a larger context?
The findings from this study are promising, indicating that rapid, portable, and efficient Nanopore sequencing could be implemented as a monitoring method in the future. This approach could significantly reduce monitoring time from months to just a few weeks or even days.
about the research:
Melcy Philip
- Has studied a Master’s in bioinformatics
- Is from India
- Has written her thesis at the NMBUs Faculty for Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science
- The title of her thesis: Bioinformatic Approaches for the Prediction of Seafloor Ecological State from Nanopore 16S rRNA Gene Data
Read an interview with Melcy on NMBUs websites