The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity of public education about viral infections. Beyond informing the public, it is equally crucial to prepare future scientists by integrating viral education into school curricula. Recently, researchers have successfully filmed the ‘giant’ virus Mimivirus as it infects a cell, producing an intriguing video that can assist educators in making biology lessons more captivating.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked an increased public desire to understand viruses and their roles in illnesses. There’s been a significant emphasis on conveying virology concepts to boost awareness regarding the spread and prevention of viral diseases.
But how can educators effectively illustrate microscopic phenomena like viral infections to students?
Today’s science education emphasizes visual learning — teachers are increasingly trying to engage students through striking visuals and videos, moving beyond traditional textbook diagrams. However, a significant challenge arises with viruses, as they cannot typically be observed with standard ‘light microscopes’ found in schools and universities. Advanced and costly equipment is usually required to see them.
Now, a study released in the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education on November 8, 2024, by a team led by Professor Masaharu Takemura from Tokyo University of Science, has made a breakthrough by capturing the process of viral infection using a light microscope, creating a remarkable video of their findings. The research focused on the ‘giant’ virus known as Mimivirus and included contributions from Ms. Kanako Morioka and Ms. Ayumi Fujieda at Tokyo’s Yone Production Co.
With a larger particle size than most viruses, Mimivirus is visible under a light microscope, making it an excellent educational resource. The researchers aimed to illustrate how the Mimivirus infects a microbe called Acanthamoeba. Observing amoebae under a microscope is challenging due to their constant movement in liquid; thus, the team utilized a modified growth medium with a gelatinous substance called agar. This medium also contained viruses that infected the amoebae, causing the Acanthamoeba cells to gradually slow down after infection.
They managed to capture video footage of the infection process step by step. Initially, healthy Acanthamoeba cells were seen moving energetically, but they slowed and eventually stopped after coming into contact with Mimivirus. As the cells ceased moving, the researchers noted the emergence of a ‘virion factory’ within the amoebae that produced more viral particles, ultimately leading to the cell’s demise as its membrane ruptured.
Prof. Takemura emphasizes the novelty of the study, stating, “For the first time globally, we have managed to continuously visualize the processes occurring during a viral infection over an extended period, including the virus’s proliferation, its release, and the consequent cell death.”
The video demonstrating the infection of a single Acanthamoeba cell by Mimivirus was exhibited in a biology class at Tokyo University of Science, receiving positive feedback from students. The researchers observed that the film seemed to influence students’ perceptions of viruses, encouraging a more scientific and biological understanding.
This research adheres to biological safety guidelines, as the Acanthamoeba cells and viruses were cultivated in a properly equipped laboratory. Students are not handling any equipment; the lesson is strictly based on viewing the recorded footage in a classroom environment.
Prof. Takemura believes this film will be a useful educational tool, stating, “It deepens students’ comprehension of how viruses proliferate and emphasizes the biological significance of viruses, their effects on host cells, and their roles in ecosystems.”
Historically, viruses have remained largely unseen, only observable through specialized technology — but this innovative footage changes that. We are confident that this extraordinary recording will prove essential for virology educators and science professionals worldwide!
