In a global first, Tel Aviv University (TAU) scientists have discovered about 100,000 new types of viruses previously unknown to science — even specifying which organisms they are likely to attack. These viruses were discovered in global environmental data from soil samples, oceans, lakes, and a variety of other ecosystems. The researchers believe that their discovery may help in the development of anti-microbial drugs and in protecting against agriculturally harmful fungi and parasites.
— The Jerusalem Post
Quote: “…compared to DNA viruses, the diversity and roles of RNA viruses in microbial ecosystems are not well understood. In our study, we found that RNA viruses are not unusual in the evolutionary landscape and, in fact, that in some aspects they are not that different from DNA viruses. This opens the door for future research, and for a better understanding of how viruses can be harnessed for use in medicine and agriculture.” — Prof. Uri Gophna at Tel Aviv University’s Wise Faculty of Life Sciences | The Jerusalem Post
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