giant virus

The University of Miami researcher studies how a mysterious group of supersized viruses infects and influences the evolution of their hosts.

Rather than introducing small chunks of DNA as other viruses do, some giant viruses can contribute more than 1 million base pairs to a host’s genome, broadening the ways in which viruses may shape eukaryote evolution.

A genomic analysis of “Klosneuviruses” suggests that they evolved from small viruses that accumulated genetic material over time, but not all virologists are convinced. 

Virologists challenge the hypothesis that mimiviruses possess a nucleic acid defense mechanism.

The genome of a mimivirus strain resistant to a virophage has repeated phage sequences alongside nuclease- and helicase-coding sections.

From the same Siberian permafrost where three others were previously discovered, scientists find a fourth type of giant virus.

A new species of giant virus discovered in the Siberian permafrost, where it’s been buried for 30,000 years, is reincarnated in the lab.

Meet some of the people featured in the March 2014 issue of The Scientist.

How did Earth become biological?

The discovery of more and more viruses of record-breaking size calls for a reclassification of life on Earth.
 

Two newly discovered giant viruses are bigger than many bacteria and carry massive and largely unique genomes that hint at new branches of life.

French scientists identify a new giant virus, which carries the genome of a smaller virus and a new breed of mobile DNA.

The largest virus to be sequenced prompts researchers to consider whether giant viruses were once full-fledged living organisms.