An illustration of the intron endonuclease cutting the DNA of a competing virus and disrupting its reproduction. Credit: Pogliano Labs, UC San Diego Strange bits of DNA hidden in the genomes of all living things have historically been ignored because they seemed to play no role in the fight for survival, researchers thought. These bits … Read more
Corner down icon An icon in the shape of a downward-pointing corner. Locals discovered this mummified wolf in the thawing permafrost in Siberia. Northeastern Federal University Researchers are studying a 44,000-year-old mummified wolf found in the permafrost in Russia. The wolf may be able to tell scientists about its lifestyle and diet during the Pleistocene. … Read more
Enlarge / This is an intact phage. A tailocin looks like one with the head cut off. Long before people became interested in killing bacteria, viruses were already at work. Viruses that attack bacteria, called “phages” (short for bacteriophage), were first identified by their ability to create bare spots on the surface of culture plates … Read more
Scientists have discovered ‘giant viruses’ while exploring the Greenland ice sheet They believe they can help reduce ice melt caused by algae blooms The idea of a giant virus lurking on an enormous ice sheet might sound like the plot of the latest science fiction blockbuster. But it has become a reality after researchers discovered … Read more
Mysterious giant viruses have been discovered lurking in the snow and frost of Greenland’s ice sheet. They share the ice with an abundance of algae, meaning this is the first time these viruses – about which we know relatively little – have been found in such a habitat. But that’s not bad news (unless you’re … Read more
This article was reviewed according to Science fact checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread OK! The algae turns the ice black. When that happens, the ice reflects less sunlight and melts faster. Several areas in Greenland are covered in black algae. Credit: Laura Perini × close to The algae turns the ice black. When that … Read more