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Giant Viruses

All articles tagged with #giant viruses

science7 months ago

Massive Mysterious Viruses Discovered in Ocean Depths

Scientists have discovered hundreds of new giant viruses in the ocean, revealing their potential roles in marine ecosystems, including influencing algae and phytoplankton, which are vital for oxygen production and marine food chains. These findings enhance understanding of oceanic microbial interactions and could aid in managing harmful algal blooms and monitoring water health.

science7 months ago

Scientists Discover 230 New Giant Viruses Impacting Ocean Ecosystems

Scientists have discovered 230 new giant viruses in ocean waters that infect protists like algae, which are crucial to marine ecosystems and can influence public health through harmful algal blooms. Using advanced computational tools and global datasets, they characterized these viruses' genomes and functions, revealing their potential to manipulate host metabolism and impact biogeochemical cycles. This research enhances understanding of ocean viral diversity and could aid in monitoring and managing marine health threats.

science1 year ago

Giant Viruses Discovered on Greenland Ice Sheet May Impact Ice Melt

Scientists have discovered giant viruses on Greenland's Arctic ice sheet that may help control algal blooms and reduce ice melting. These viruses, larger than most bacteria, were found thriving alongside microalgae in dark ice and red snow. The discovery challenges previous notions of the Arctic as a barren landscape, revealing a complex ecosystem. Further research is expected to uncover more about the ecological roles and interactions of these giant viruses.

science1 year ago

"Giant Viruses Found in Greenland Ice Could Impact Melt Rates"

Researchers have discovered giant viruses on the Greenland ice sheet that may help control algae blooms, which darken the ice and accelerate melting. These viruses, larger and more complex than typical viruses, could potentially reduce ice melt and mitigate some effects of global warming. Further research is needed to understand their specific roles and effectiveness.

science2 years ago

"Enigmatic Giant Viruses Found in Forest Leave Scientists Intrigued"

A team of researchers has discovered a wide variety of gigantic viruses in the soil of a Massachusetts forest, revealing an unprecedented ecological diversity. These colossal parasites, comparable in size to bacteria, have genomes larger than more complex organisms. The study focuses on the morphology of the viruses, revealing an unexpected diversity of forms, including tentacle-like appendages and ornate shapes. The researchers believe that many of these viruses are completely new and have never been seen before. While these viruses primarily infect single-celled microbes, their discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding their role in ecological and evolutionary contexts. The study of soil viruses is reshaping our understanding of the microbial world and has potential applications in medicine and agriculture.

science2 years ago

Unearthed: Enigmatic Giant Viruses with Tentacles and Star-like Shells Found in New England Forest

Scientists have discovered never-before-seen giant viruses in the soils of a New England forest, exhibiting unique traits such as star-like outer shells and tubular appendages. These giant viruses, which are larger than most viruses and primarily infect single-cell organisms, have complex genomes and play important roles in the ecosystem, particularly in carbon cycling. The researchers believe that similar giant viruses could be found in other hardwood forests worldwide, highlighting the diverse and previously unknown structures of soil viruses.

science-and-environment2 years ago

The Resurrection of Zombie Viruses through Climate Change.

Climate change is causing permafrost to thaw, releasing ancient viruses that have been frozen for millions of years. While most of these "zombie viruses" are harmless to humans, there are concerns that deadly diseases could be revived. Anthrax, a bacterial disease that can be fatal, has already been found in thawing permafrost. Other dangerous diseases could also be lurking beneath the ice, making their resurgence and potentially fatal consequences not a matter of if, but when.