Tag Archives: viruses

Unveiling the Hidden Life of Giant Viruses: Are They More Alive Than We Realize?

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Mimivirus Illustration

Illustration of Mimivirus: A Giant Virus Infecting Amoebae

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Viruses exploit host cell machinery to produce proteins, with certain large viruses encoding essential components within their genomes to instruct host cells to generate viral proteins. This phenomenon emphasizes how giant viruses challenge the distinction between living and nonliving entities.

Since the discovery of the mimivirus in Bradford, England in 2003, which infects amoebas, biologists have increasingly focused on these giant viruses. Some exhibit sizes larger than typical bacteria, complex shapes, and possess numerous genes.

Among these genes are those that code for components involved in translation—the biological process that turns genetic information into proteins. In cellular biology, translation occurs through ribosomes, initiated by molecular assemblies known as initiation complexes.

To investigate whether giant viruses possess a similar system, Max Fells and his team from Harvard Medical School explored the dynamics within infected amoebas and the manipulations by mimivirus post-infection.

The researchers isolated ribosomes from infected cells and identified the viral proteins linked to them. “This was our initial clue that these might be the elements we were seeking,” said Fells.

Subsequently, they knocked out the gene responsible for the viral complex by substituting it with a modified DNA sequence, resulting in a virus that could not synthesize the corresponding protein. This intervention decreased virus production by up to 100,000-fold and severely inhibited the formation of new infectious particles.

These findings collectively indicate that during an infection, viral complexes potentially redirect the protein synthesis machinery of the host to significantly boost the production of viral structural proteins, even under extreme conditions like nutrient scarcity and oxidative stress, which typically hinder protein synthesis in host cells.

This discovery introduces a profound evolutionary inquiry: how did these viruses acquire such capabilities? Some researchers propose that giant viruses may descend from ancient cellular life forms, while others suggest they evolved from typical viruses through gene acquisition from their hosts.

“Giant viruses have acquired a diverse array of cellular machinery from their eukaryotic hosts over evolutionary time,” stated Frank Aylward from Virginia Tech, who was not part of the study. Genetic exchange can occur during viral infection, allowing natural selection to favor advantageous genes over extended evolutionary periods.

Many of the largest viruses dominate the internal environment of single-celled organisms, which presents more variability than the relatively stable environments of multicellular hosts. Consequently, this flexible control over protein synthesis may confer a significant evolutionary advantage, Aylward noted.

This research also raises critical questions. The mimivirus genome comprises approximately 1,000 proteins, the majority of which remain functionally enigmatic. It remains unclear how these viruses intricately control protein production throughout a single infection cycle.

“Viruses have traditionally been regarded as passive participants in the evolution of living systems,” stated Hiroyuki Ogata from Kyoto University, Japan. “This study demonstrates that giant viruses can reconfigure molecular systems that are fundamental across the spectrum of life.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Bacteria and Viruses Collaborate to Combat Cancer: Insights from Sciworthy

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The history of cancer can be traced back to ancient Egyptian civilizations, where it was thought to be a divine affliction. Over the years, great strides have been made in understanding cancer’s causes and exploring diverse treatment options, although none have proven to be foolproof. Recently, a research team at Columbia University has pioneered a novel method for combating cancerous tumors by utilizing a combination of bacteria and viruses.

The researchers engineered this innovative strategy by infecting bacterial cells with Typhimurium that were modified to carry the Seneca virus A. The theory posited that when tumor cells engulf these bacteria, they would also take in the virus, which would then replicate within the cells, leading to their death and the subsequent distribution of the virus to surrounding cells. This technique has been termed Coordinated Activities of Prokaryotes and Picornaviruses for Safe Intracellular Delivery (CAPPSID).

Initially, the research team verified that Typhimurium was a suitable host for Seneca virus A. They infected a limited number of these bacteria with a modified variant of the virus that emitted fluorescent RNA. Subsequently, they applied a solution that facilitated viral entry into the bacteria. Using fluorescence microscopy, they confirmed the presence of viral RNA inside the bacterial cells, validating the infection. To further assist the viral RNA in escaping the bacteria and reaching cancer cells, the researchers added two proteins, ensuring that viral spread was contained to prevent infection of healthy cells.

After optimizing the bacteria and virus, the team tested the viral delivery system on cervical cancer samples. They found that viral RNA could replicate both outside of bacterial cells and inside cancer cells. Notably, newly synthesized RNA strands were identified within tumor cells, confirming the successful delivery and replication of the virus through the CAPPSID method.

Next, the researchers examined CAPPSID’s impact on a type of lung cancer known as small cell lung cancer (SCLC). By tracking fluorescent viral RNA within SCLC cells, they assessed the rate of viral dissemination post-infection. Remarkably, the virus continued to propagate at a consistent rate for up to 24 hours following the initial infection, demonstrating effective spread through cancerous tissue without losing vigor.

In a follow-up experiment, the researchers evaluated the CAPPSID method on two groups of five mice, implanting SCLC tumors on both sides of their backs. They engineered the Seneca virus A to generate a bioluminescent enzyme for tracking purposes and injected the CAPPSID bacteria into the tumors on the right side. Two days post-injection, the right-side tumor glowed, indicating active viral presence. After four days, the left-side tumor also illuminated, suggesting that the virus had successfully navigated throughout the mice’s bodies while sparing healthy tissues.

The treatment continued for 40 days, leading to complete tumor regression within just two weeks. Remarkably, upon observation over a subsequent 40-day period, the mice demonstrated a 100% survival rate, with no recurrence of cancer or significant side effects. The research team observed that the CAPPSID virus, being encapsulated by bacteria, could circumvent the immune response, thus preventing cancer cells from building immunity against it.

Finally, to prevent uncontrolled replication of Seneca virus A, the researchers isolated a gene from a tobacco virus responsible for producing an enzyme that activates a crucial protein in Seneca virus A. By incorporating this gene into the Typhimurium bacteria, they were able to independently produce this enzyme, ensuring the virus could not replicate or spread without the bacteria’s presence. Follow-up tests confirmed that this modified CAPPSID method improved viral spread while maintaining confinement within cancer-affected areas.

The research findings hold promising potential for the development of advanced cancer therapies. The remarkable regression of tumors in mice and the targeted delivery system of CAPPSID—without adverse effects—could lead to safer cancer treatments for human patients, eliminating the need for radiation or harmful chemicals. However, the researchers also cautioned about the risk of viral and bacterial mutations that may limit the effectiveness of CAPPSID and cause unforeseen side effects. They suggested that enhancing the system with additional tobacco virus-derived enzymes could help mitigate these challenges, paving the way for future research into innovative cancer therapies.

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Source: sciworthy.com

How Ancient Viruses Pack into Every Cell

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Our personal genome (an organism’s genetic information) contains remnants of viruses that once infected our ancestors.

No need to worry though. These viruses aren’t contagious like those that cause COVID-19 or the common cold; instead, they are sequences that have been integrated into our DNA over millions of years.

Most of these sequences come from a specific group of viruses known as retroviruses, which invade host cells and manipulate them into producing replication-required proteins.

Sometimes, a retrovirus can insert itself into a sperm or egg cell, which allows it to propagate across subsequent generations.

While this occurrence is rare, its frequency increases over extensive periods of evolution. Currently, about 8 percent of our DNA is comprised of these viral remnants.

Viruses have subtly merged into our DNA over millions of years – Image credit: Science Photo Library

For many years, scientists believed these viral sequences were mostly insignificant, referring to them as “junk DNA” that merely existed within cells without serving any important purpose.

However, recent research has shifted this perspective. Modern iterations of these viral proteins have been found to play crucial roles in functions such as memory retention, the development of the placenta, and enhancing our immune system’s ability to combat harmful microorganisms.

Nonetheless, it’s not all positive. Certain viral DNA fragments are linked to various human diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), certain cancers, and type 1 diabetes.

While they may not directly cause disease, they could play a role in the intricate biological processes that researchers are exploring.

This article addresses the question (submitted by Nick Conley via email): “Can a virus alter my DNA?”

If you have any inquiries, please reach out to us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a message facebook, ×or Instagram Page (remember to include your name and location).

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Some Viruses Favor Cheats—And This Might Benefit Our Health

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Some influenza viruses are freeloaders

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Viruses occasionally contend with parasites resembling sponges. These so-called cheats could be more prevalent and significant than previously recognized by biologists. In influenza cases, such viruses can outnumber typical ones in almost a third of instances, potentially lessening the infection’s severity.

The virus compels infected cells to reproduce copies of itself. While they leverage the cell’s existing machinery, several proteins specified by the viral genome are crucial for this process.

However, mutations may eliminate the viral genes responsible for these critical proteins, leading to defective viruses that can invade cells but fail to replicate. A different virus might also infect the same cell, supplying the missing protein or proteins.

The cells combine both viral copies. In fact, they may produce more defective or incomplete viruses since these have a reduced genome size. Consequently, these less complete viruses equate to a virus that avoids paying its share at a pub, thereby slowing the infection process.

The existence of these deceptive interfering viruses, often referred to as defective interfering viruses, was confirmed back in 1970 by Usher Leak at the University of British Columbia, Canada. “But this raises an important question: Are they fundamentally significant?”

His team is striving to answer this query. Previous studies have shown that these fraudulent viruses exist in nature, but their prevalence remains uncertain, as establishing this requires sequencing numerous viruses from infected individuals. Given the risks associated with H5N1 avian influenza, the USDA is currently sequencing for different purposes, and the raw data has become publicly accessible.

The dataset comprises various influenza species, states Leeks. “We’ve got ostriches, cattle, cows, poultry, waterfowl, and raptors.”

Based on preliminary estimates from USDA sequencing, which are not yet published, his team’s findings indicate a notable prevalence of these con artist viruses. “Roughly one in three infected individuals carries at least one viral cheat sequence. This implies that during influenza infections, about one-third of the time, these non-functional viruses dominate the population.”

“Their presence is not unexpected,” he states. “It’s remarkable how abundant they are, and intriguing that they are found across various host species and influenza subtypes.”

Evidence suggests that high levels of con artist viruses diminish infection severity, so their presence could serve as a predictor for disease severity.

Other researchers are exploring whether these fraudulent viruses could potentially be utilized to treat infectious diseases. In fact, human trials are set to begin soon for HIV, following successful outcomes in monkeys.

“I don’t design therapeutics, but our findings aim to provide insights regarding their safety and efficacy,” remarks Leeks.

Raphael Saint-Juan from the University of Valencia in Spain notes that specific findings cannot be discussed until complete results are available. However, there is generally a possibility of application to influenza, as opposed to other viruses.

“Some viruses tend to generate more ‘con artists’ than others,” states Sanjuan. “Influenza viruses, in particular, are known to be extremely prolific in this regard.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Bacteria Enhance the Effectiveness of Cancer-Killing Viruses

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Herpes Virus Assists in Treating Severe Skin Cancer

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The virus exhibits significant promise in treating various cancer types, yet immune responses limit its use primarily to tumors located near the skin’s surface. Current research demonstrates that employing genetically modified bacteria to envelop these viruses may mitigate this issue, effectively slowing the advancement of aggressive tumors in mouse models.

Several treatments utilizing oncolytic viruses have received global approval for targeting cancers of the skin, brain, and head and neck. These methods often involve injecting engineered viruses directly into tumors, which then disperse and destroy cancer cells.

However, targeting deeper tumors necessitates injecting the virus into the bloodstream, where the immune system swiftly eradicates it before it can reach the desired site.

To circumvent this challenge, Zachary Singer and his team at Columbia University, New York, are using genetically modified Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria that do not elicit a strong immune response. These bacteria have been engineered to harbor the genome of Seneca virus A, a virus shown to effectively eliminate human cancer cells in laboratory and animal studies.

“We are adopting a Trojan horse strategy where bacteria conceal the virus [from the immune system],” remarks Singer. These bacteria are designed to infiltrate cancer cells and release copies of the viral genome upon entry.

To test their hypothesis, researchers induced neurotumors on mice’s backs. A week later, they administered the bacteria carrying the virus. This was referred to as a capsid, which entered about half the mouse’s blood. The other group received Seneca virus A without the bacteria.

Within a day, they noted that fluorescent-tagged capsids had concentrated within the tumor, a reaction that typically dampens the immune response. In contrast, capsids remaining in the bloodstream or reaching healthy tissue were swiftly eliminated by the immune system, according to Singer.

On average, tumors in the Seneca virus A-only group reached their maximum size in 11 days, necessitating euthanasia for ethical reasons. Conversely, tumors in the capsid group took 21 days to reach the same size, with no mice experiencing notable side effects.

“The data appears truly remarkable,” states Guy Simpson from the University of Surrey, UK. The findings have shown effectiveness against rapidly growing tumors, particularly those arising from neurons, but he suggests it may be even more beneficial for slower-growing tumors.

In a separate aspect of the experiment, the researchers discovered that the capsid entirely eradicated human lung tumors implanted on mouse backs, yet they did not include controls that received Seneca virus A on its own.

Before human trials, additional studies on mice and non-human primates should assess its efficacy against a broader spectrum of tumors, including pancreatic cancer, which has notoriously low survival rates, advises Simpson.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Two Unwelcome Viruses Could Be Disrupting Honeybee Flight

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Honeybees battle infectious fungi, bacteria, mites, and viruses daily.

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Two non-threatening viral infections in adult honeybees are surprisingly covert and might disrupt their flying ability. One virus enhances speed, while the other acts as a brake.

Bees face a continual fight against infectious fungi, bacteria, mites, and viruses, many of which pose a threat to entire colonies. However, not all pathogens are equally harmful. For instance, both the deformed wing virus (DWV) and the sacbrood virus (SBV) can lead to severe symptoms if they infect honeybees during their early development. Despite being linked to increased mortality and a decrease in colony size, infection in adult honeybees is often viewed as asymptomatic. Michelle Flenniken from Montana State University and her team questioned whether these viruses were truly harmless.

The researchers studied bee health through their flight capabilities and infected bees with either DWV or SBV. After three days, the bees were tethered to a device resembling a set of small balls, forcing them to fly in circles. A total of 240 bees were observed, and the team measured their flight speed, duration, and distance.

Flenniken and her colleagues found that bees infected with DWV flew at slower speeds compared to uninfected counterparts. Conversely, those infected with SBV exhibited enhanced flight performance. The team predicts that bees with high DWV levels will cover 49% shorter distances than healthy honeybees. In contrast, severely infected SBV bees could experience a flight range increase of up to 53%. “SBV infections are detrimental to larvae and typically harm overall colony health,” says Flenniken.

This research reshapes our understanding of the subtle and odd impacts stealth infections can have on honeybee behavior. Other pathogens are known to influence bee actions. For instance, the Kako virus, a distinct variant of DWV, may provoke more aggressive behavior in bees, as noted by Eugene Riabov, who was not part of this research at the James Hutton Institute in the UK.

“It’s fascinating to observe how members of both DWV and SBV, which are closely related, exhibit such contrasting effects on honeybee aerodynamics,” remarks Riabov.

By disrupting bees’ ability to fly and collect nectar, viruses like DWV could negatively affect their pollination of nearby plants, complicating their foraging efforts. Consequently, as bees struggle, the implications reverberate throughout the entire ecosystem.

Science Advances doi: doi:10.1126/sciadv.adw8382

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Research reveals that a multitude of plants, fungi, protists, bacteria, and viruses possess toxin delivery mechanisms.

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These toxin delivery systems are completely similar and often rival the complexity of the venom delivery systems found in animals such as venom snakes, scorpions, and spiders.

Four representative plant species introducing the poison delivery system: (a) Many ant plants share ants that provide homes and food. (b) Horstria, a parasitic plant that attacks other plants. (c) Stingy trichomes of stinging plants. (d) Raffide penetrates the oral membrane of an animal browsing a plant. Image credit: Hayes et al. , doi: 10.3390/toxin 17030099.

Toxologists and other biologists have studied toxic organisms and their secretions for centuries.

Their interest is largely due to the frequently and severe consequences of human exposure.

Humans also take advantage of the potential of toxins to explore the treatment of human illnesses and illnesses.

In doing so, scientists have leveraged countless natural experiments involving interactions between toxins and target cells and tissues.

The classification of biological toxins, in particular the distinction between venom and venom, is characterized by a colorful and sometimes controversial history.

Nevertheless, with the views of consensus and the introduction of the third phase, toxic biological secretions can be divided into three groups based on their mode of delivery to other organisms.

These include poisons that are transmitted passively without a delivery mechanism (intake, inhalation, or absorption of the entire surface). Toxicity was fed to the body surface without any associated wounds (e.g., spitting, spraying, or smearing). Poison (e.g., sting, biting) carried to internal tissues through the formation of wounds.

The organisms that possess these toxins are called toxic, toxins, and/or toxic, respectively.

These distinctions provide a meaningful framework for studying the evolution of these toxins, including biochemical structures. Related structures for synthesis, storage and application. And their functional role.

Discourses on poison and poisonous animals focus exclusively on animals.

The use of venom has evolved independently in at least 104 strains within at least eight animal phylums, which emphasizes the pronounced adaptability of the trait.

But do poison distribution systems exist in other entities?

“Our findings show that we rely on poisons to solve problems such as predation, defense, and competition.

“The venomous animals have long been trying to understand the fatal secretions and the properties associated with their use, but have long fascinated biologists who have also contributed to many life-saving treatments.”

“To date, our understanding of venoms, poison delivery systems, and poisonous organisms is entirely based on animals. This represents only a small fraction of organisms that can search for meaningful tools and treatments.”

According to the study, plants inject toxins into animals through spines, thorns and stinging hairs, some of which exist with stinging ants by providing living space and food in exchange for protection.

Even bacteria and viruses have evolved mechanisms such as secretory and contractile injection systems to introduce toxins to the target through host cells and wounds.

“I have a long history of studying venom in rattlesnakes, and I began exploring the broader definition of venom over a decade ago, teaching special courses on the biology of venom,” Professor Hayes said.

“My team and I were working on a paper to define what Venom really is, so we came across non-animal examples and decided to dig deeper to identify many of the possible overlooked examples.”

This research paves the way for new discoveries, and the authors hope that experts and scientists will encourage collaboration across disciplines and explore further how Venom has evolved across diverse organisms.

“We only hurt the surface in understanding evolutionary pathways of venom dissemination, including gene duplication, co-configuration of existing genes, and natural selection,” concluded Professor Hayes.

study Published in the journal toxin.

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William K. Hayes et al. 2025. After all, it’s a small world. It is a prominent yet overlooked diversity of poisonous organisms with candidates for plants, fungi, protists, bacteria and viruses. toxin 17(3):99; doi:10.3390/toxin 17030099

Source: www.sci.news

Microorganisms that thrive in acidic environments are suppressed by viruses

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Microorganisms thrive in acidic environments despite harsh conditions. These microorganisms, known as acidophilic organisms, are found in places like Yellowstone’s hot springs, sulfuric acid caves, and acid mine drainage channels. Viruses are also abundant in such environments, infecting bacteria just as influenza infects humans. These viruses are called bacteriophage, which means “bacteria eater.”

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, found in almost every life-supporting environment. However, their role in extremely acidic environments is not fully understood. Chinese scientists investigated viral communities in acid mine drainage to gain insights.

Samples were collected from two acidic mine drainage sites in China – Daibaoshan Mine and Shijinshan Mine. These sites had high metal concentrations and acidic pH levels below 3, along with diverse microbial communities.

The research team used metagenomics to analyze the DNA in the samples, identifying microorganisms and viruses without the need for lab cultivation. They also collected geochemical data to understand the impact of environmental conditions on microbial and viral communities.

Over 1,500 bacteriophages and viruses were found in acid mine drainage, with their abundance linked to the presence of host microorganisms. Some viruses were found to benefit their host’s growth temporarily by enhancing metal uptake, giving them a competitive advantage within the microbial community.

The study revealed that viruses and environmental conditions play a crucial role in shaping microbial communities in acidic environments. While various factors influence these communities, the viral community at Daihozan Mine was more impacted by the types of microorganisms present, while both viruses and environmental conditions influenced the microbial community at Zijinshan Mine.

This research expands our understanding of viruses in acidic environments, revealing undocumented viruses in places like acid mine drainage. Bacteriophages may play a significant role in regulating microbial communities in extreme environments, suggesting the importance of viral “bacteria eaters” in such settings.

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Source: sciworthy.com

Research: Your Showerheads and Toothbrushes Harbor a Wide Variety of Viruses

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Viruses collected in a Northwestern University-led study are bacteriophages — a type of virus that infects and replicates inside of bacteria.

The average American spends 93% of their time in built environments, almost 70% of that is in their place of residence. Human health and well-being are intrinsically tied to the quality of our personal environments and the microbiomes that populate them. offline, the built environment microbiome is seeded, formed, and re-shaped by occupant behavior, cleaning, personal hygiene and food choices, as well as geographic location and variability in infrastructure. Huttelmaier et al. focused on the presence of viruses in household biofilms, specifically in showerheads and on toothbrushes.

“The number of viruses that we found is absolutely wild,” said Northwestern University's Dr. Erica Hartmann.

“We found many viruses that we know very little about and many others that we have never seen before.”

“It's amazing how much untapped biodiversity is all around us. And you don't even have to go far to find it; it's right under our noses.”

In the study, Dr. Hartmann and her colleagues characterized viruses living on 34 toothbrushes and 92 showerheads.

The samples comprised more than 600 different viruses — and no two samples were alike.

“We saw basically no overlap in virus types between showerheads and toothbrushes,” Dr. Hartmann said.

“We also saw very little overlap between any two samples at all.”

“Each showerhead and each toothbrush is like its own little island.”

“It just underscores the incredible diversity of viruses out there.”

While they found few patterns among all the samples, the researchers did notice more mycobacteriophage than other types of phage.

“We could envision taking these mycobacteriophages and using them as a way to clean pathogens out of your plumbing system,” Dr. Hartmann said.

“We want to look at all the functions these viruses might have and figure out how we can use them.”

The authors caution people not to fret about the invisible wildlife living within our bathrooms.

Instead of grabbing for bleach, people can soak their showerheads in vinegar to remove calcium buildup or simply wash them with plain soap and water.

“And people should regularly replace toothbrush heads,” Dr. Hartmann said.

“I'm also not a fan of antimicrobial toothbrushes, which can lead to antibiotic-resistant bugs.”

“Microbes are everywhere, and the vast majority of them will not make us sick.”

“The more you attack them with disinfectants, the more they are likely to develop resistance or become more difficult to treat. We should all just embrace them.”

The study was published online in the journal Frontiers in Microbiomes.

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Stefanie Huttelmaier et al. 2024. Phage communities in household-related biofilms correlate with bacterial hosts. Front.Microbiomes 3; doi: 10.3389/frmbi.2024.1396560

Source: www.sci.news

There are hundreds of viruses on your toothbrush

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Our toothbrushes contain not only bacteria but also a huge number of viruses.

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Hundreds of viruses that infect bacteria have been found on toothbrushes and showerheads. However, this is not a cause for concern as the virus is not harmful to humans and studying how it works may reveal new ways to kill drug-resistant bacteria.

our toothbrushes Shower heads are full of bacteria From our mouths and from our water supplies. However, little is known about the viruses that are also present on these surfaces.

To get a better image, Erica Hartman Researchers at Northwestern University in Illinois wiped down 92 shower heads and 36 toothbrushes from the bathrooms of people living in the United States.

By analyzing the DNA sequences of swab samples, researchers discovered more than 600 viruses known to infect bacteria called bacteriophages. Most viruses that are harmless to humans originate from toothbrushes, and many have never been reported before. “This is a crazy story, and it just highlights how much novelty there is out there,” Hartman said.

Although the researchers did not test whether viruses affected the thousands of bacteria they also discovered, Hartman said bacteriophages tend to do one of two things. They can hijack the bacteria's molecular machinery to make copies of themselves and kill the bacteria as they exit. Alternatively, they can be integrated into the bacterial genome and change the bacteria's behavior.

The bacteriophages that Hartman and her colleagues identified are likely present on moist surfaces around the house, such as inside sinks and refrigerators. “We expect them everywhere,” she says.

“This is an interesting resource that allows us to better understand the breadth and detail of phage activity in the home,” he says. jack gilbert at the University of California, San Diego.

Genetically engineered bacteriophages can be used to kill drug-resistant bacteria when antibiotics don't work, so the discovery of so many new bacteriophages could point the way to further treatments. states that there is. dark bock mule at the Rheinwaal University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Viruses with a significant impact on the microbiome and overall health

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Rats in John Cryan's lab were withdrawn and anxious, behaving in ways that mirrored those who had been bullied at work and suspected they might encounter the bully again.

Believe it or not, the good news is that they fed some of these rodents a slurry of microbes extracted from their own feces. This may sound unpleasant, but it had a surprisingly positive effect on their behavior. “That was surprising,” says Cryan, a neurobiologist at University College Cork in Ireland. “We found that the behavioral changes that were induced by stress were normalized, and they started to behave like normal animals.”

Even more surprising, the mental changes weren't brought about by changes to gut bacteria, but by modifying another key aspect of the microbiome whose importance is only now being recognized: viruses.

After all, our bodies are full of these viruses – trillions of stowaways that do no harm to our health, but instead play a key role in nurturing a beneficial microbiome and making us healthier. Recent studies have found that the influence of this “virome” can be found throughout the body, from the blood to the brain. The hope is that tweaking it might lead to new ways of treating a variety of ailments, from inflammatory bowel disease and obesity to anxiety.

Microbiome Diversity

Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the microbiome (all the tiny organisms that live on and in our bodies), but that interest has focused primarily on bacteria. Until recently, it was assumed that…

Source: www.newscientist.com

More viruses are transmitted from humans to animals than vice versa

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Some zoo animals contracted SARS-CoV-2 from humans

Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty

Animals such as rats are often considered carriers of the disease. But when it comes to the spread of disease, it turns out that other animals have more reason to fear us than we do.

Analysis of the viral genome found that when viruses move between humans and other animals, in 64% of cases they are transmitted from humans to other animals, rather than vice versa.

“We give more viruses to animals than they give us,” he says. Cedric Tan At University College London. For example, after the SARS-CoV-2 virus passed from bats to humans, likely through another species, humans passed the virus on to many other species.

Tan and his colleagues have been using a global database of sequenced viruses to study how viruses move between species. There are nearly 12 million sequences in the database, but many are incomplete or lack data on when and from which host species they were collected.

So the researchers narrowed down the 12 million to about 60,000 high-quality sequences with complete accompanying data. They then created a “family tree” of related viruses.

In total, approximately 13,000 virus lineages and 3,000 jumps between species were identified. Of the 599 jumps involving humans, most were from humans to other animals, not the other way around.

Tan says the team didn't expect this, but in retrospect it makes sense. “Our population size is huge. And our global footprint is basically everywhere.”

In other words, a virus that circulates among humans has many opportunities to spread to many other species around the world, whereas a virus that circulates among non-human species confined to a single region does not. That's far less.

Studies have found that SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and influenza viruses are the viruses most commonly transmitted by humans to other animals. This is consistent with other studies showing, for example, that SARS-CoV-2 spread from humans to pets, zoo animals, domestic animals such as mink, and wild animals such as white-tailed deer.

However, even when SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and influenza viruses were excluded from the analysis, the researchers found that 54 percent of infections were from humans to other animals.

The spread of viruses from humans to other species is a threat to many endangered animal species, Tan said. For example, outbreaks of human metapneumovirus and human respirovirus have killed several wild chimpanzees in Uganda.

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Source: www.newscientist.com