Mimivirus Mystery - 'Missing Link' Between Viruses And Living Cells?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 11:14
in Biology & Nature
An international team of researchers has determined key structural features of the largest known virus -the mimivirus, called by some a possible "missing link" between viruses and living cells. It was discovered accidentally by French scientists in 1992 but wasn't confirmed to be a virus until 2003. The findings may help determine whether the unusual virus causes any human diseases. The virus infects amoebas, but it is thought to possibly be a human pathogen because antibodies to the virus have been discovered in pneumonia patients. However, many details about the virus remain unknown, said Michael Rossmann, Purdue University's Hanley Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences. read more
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