Science at UM [S01-ep09]: From vaccinating oysters to the Abiophen greenhouse
This week, Caroline Montagnani, researcher atIfremer and director of the IHPE unit, talks to us about vaccinating oysters against ostreid herpesvirus 1. In the second part of the program, Denis Fabre from the Agap laboratory introduces us to the Abiophen greenhouse located at CIRAD.
Breaking news! Like a tidal wave, a virus is sweeping across the planet, attacking the youngest members of society and decimating up to 50% of them, and even 90% in some areas. Given the scale of the phenomenon, and in the absence of any truly effective treatment to stem this epidemic, science is our only hope.
Promise kept! Last November, a team of scientists announced that they had developed a revolutionary vaccine capable of offering 100% protection against the virus. However, controversy is growing among the population and, despite warnings from the authorities that "no one will slip through the net in the face of this wave," resistance and protests are mounting. On the benches, signs read: "Yes to lemons, no to vaccination!"; "Stop the rush for shallots!"; "Yes to Picpoul, no to jabs!"; "They're stuffing us full!"; "My valves, my choice!"...
- "But Lucie, what are you talking about? What's all this about viruses and baskets?"
- "I'm talking about vaccinating oysters, Aline! And about Project Star, which stands for Stimulation Antivirale des Huîtres Creuses (Antiviral Stimulation of Pacific Oysters). It's a research project coordinated by our guest Caroline Montagnani. She heads up the Host-Pathogen-Environment Interactions team at Ifremer."
To read or watch:
In the second part of the program, we take you to CIRAD's Abiophen greenhouse with ecophysiologist Denis Fabre from the Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Adaptation of Mediterranean and Tropical Plants (AGAP). This high-tech greenhouse is dedicated to studying the impact of global warming on plants, where researchers are currently growing varieties that may be found in fields tomorrow.
At UM Science, you have the program, so let's get started!
Co-production: Divergence FM / University of Montpellier
Host: Lucie Lecherbonnier
Interview: Aline Périault / Lucie Lecherbonnier
Reporting: Aline Périault
Production: Adeline Floc’h
Listen to the program “A l’UM la science” on Divergence FM 93.9
Find UM podcasts now available on your favorite platform (Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, etc.).