2023-11-24 05:53:40
Strange New Discovery: Virus Holds on to Another Virus
In a truly bizarre and unprecedented find, researchers have discovered a virus with another, smaller virus clinging to its “neck.” The discovery has left scientists puzzled and fascinated, shedding light on how wild and strange biology can be.
The odd pair of viruses, both bacteriophages that infect bacteria, were recovered from a clod of soil in Poolesville, Md. Using a special microscope, researcher Tagide deCarvalho observed hundreds of the larger viruses with the smaller virus attached to their necks. This revelation has left the scientific community astounded.
In a recently published study in the Journal of the International Society for Microbial Ecology, deCarvalho and her team explained how the smaller virus, MiniFlayer, has lost the ability to reproduce itself. In a clever parasitic solution, MiniFlayer takes advantage of another virus, MindFlayer, by clinging to its neck and using its genetic machinery to reproduce.
The discovery has opened up new insights into the strange universe of viruses, showcasing their incredible adaptability and creativity. Known elements of the virosphere include “satellites,” which have lost the ability to replicate in cells, and typically integrate into the genome of the cells they infect. However, MiniFlayer is a unique case, as it has evolved to physically attach itself to its helper, MindFlayer.
According to Ivan Erill, a computational biologist at UMBC, viruses are capable of anything and constantly adapt to survive. The observation of these two viruses sticking together has intrigued researchers, prompting the need for further studies and images to draw more precise conclusions about their interaction.
The discovery holds potential implications for fields such as microbiology and medicine. It has opened up new avenues for researchers interested in using bacteriophages as medicine, especially to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The authors of the study hope to collaborate with other research groups to gain a better understanding of this unique viral interaction. As the scientific community grapples with the mystery of these clinging viruses, the strange and bizarre world of biology continues to amaze and inspire researchers around the globe.
About the author
Carolyn Johnson is a science reporter. She previously covered health care and health care affordability for consumers.]
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