Post by SysConfig on Feb 11, 2020 5:36:59 GMT
why look for extremophiles..how about a new virus comprised of 90 percent alien genes..never seen before
www.rt.com/news/480495-virus-unknown-origin-brazil/
Scientists in Brazil have discovered a virus which appears to be almost entirely new, consisting of unrecognizable genes that have been, until now, undocumented.
The Yaravirus (Yaravirus brasiliensis), named after a water deity in Brazilian mythology and folklore, was discovered in Lake Pampulha in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte.
In recent years, virologists and other researchers have discovered a variety of new viruses which challenge traditional thinking, including so-called “giant viruses” (named for their large protein shells, not their deadliness to humans).
These giant viruses possess a far more complex genome than scientists could have predicted, based on humanity’s knowledge of normal viruses, and are capable of repairing and replicating their own DNA.
“Contrary to what is observed in other isolated viruses of amoeba, Yaravirus is not represented by a large/giant particle and a complex genome, but at the same time carries an important number of previously undescribed genes,” the authors write, adding that it may be the first in “a new lineage of amoebal virus with a puzzling origin and phylogeny.”
In fact, 90 percent of the genes in the Yaravirus have never been described before in public scientific databases and literature.
Rather worryingly, the researchers conclude that the amount of unknown proteins within the Yaravirus throws open the door to a whole other world of as-yet-undiscovered viruses we know little to nothing about.
interestingengineering.com/scientists-discover-baffling-virus-in-brazil-with-no-recognizable-genes
"Using standard protocols, our very first genetic analysis was unable to find any recognizable sequences of capsid or other classical viral genes in Yaravirus. Following the current metagenomic protocols for viral detection, Yaravirus would not even be recognized as a viral agent." the researchers say.
Therefore, while Yaravirus is similar to giant viruses in some ways, though it is not clear how they are related. Scientists can only speculate on how they evolved into a completely different genome.
According to the researchers, the amount of unknown proteins composing the Yaravirus particles reflects the variability existing in the viral world. Our knowledge of viruses are incredibly small, and we have a lot to learn. It seems that there is more potential for discovering new viral genomes than ever thought before.
Edit: while we may not call them intelligent..at least call them clever.
www.rt.com/news/480495-virus-unknown-origin-brazil/
Scientists in Brazil have discovered a virus which appears to be almost entirely new, consisting of unrecognizable genes that have been, until now, undocumented.
The Yaravirus (Yaravirus brasiliensis), named after a water deity in Brazilian mythology and folklore, was discovered in Lake Pampulha in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte.
In recent years, virologists and other researchers have discovered a variety of new viruses which challenge traditional thinking, including so-called “giant viruses” (named for their large protein shells, not their deadliness to humans).
These giant viruses possess a far more complex genome than scientists could have predicted, based on humanity’s knowledge of normal viruses, and are capable of repairing and replicating their own DNA.
“Contrary to what is observed in other isolated viruses of amoeba, Yaravirus is not represented by a large/giant particle and a complex genome, but at the same time carries an important number of previously undescribed genes,” the authors write, adding that it may be the first in “a new lineage of amoebal virus with a puzzling origin and phylogeny.”
In fact, 90 percent of the genes in the Yaravirus have never been described before in public scientific databases and literature.
Rather worryingly, the researchers conclude that the amount of unknown proteins within the Yaravirus throws open the door to a whole other world of as-yet-undiscovered viruses we know little to nothing about.
interestingengineering.com/scientists-discover-baffling-virus-in-brazil-with-no-recognizable-genes
"Using standard protocols, our very first genetic analysis was unable to find any recognizable sequences of capsid or other classical viral genes in Yaravirus. Following the current metagenomic protocols for viral detection, Yaravirus would not even be recognized as a viral agent." the researchers say.
Therefore, while Yaravirus is similar to giant viruses in some ways, though it is not clear how they are related. Scientists can only speculate on how they evolved into a completely different genome.
According to the researchers, the amount of unknown proteins composing the Yaravirus particles reflects the variability existing in the viral world. Our knowledge of viruses are incredibly small, and we have a lot to learn. It seems that there is more potential for discovering new viral genomes than ever thought before.
Edit: while we may not call them intelligent..at least call them clever.