Genome-invading retroviruses have a nasty surprise for koalas: Serious pathological impact for centuries
Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 15:30
in Biology & Nature
By integrating themselves into the germ line of their host, retroviruses change the genetic code of their host. The only known case where this process can be currently observed is in Koalas. As scientists just found out, this process may take longer than expected, with the virus continuing to have a serious pathological impact on the host which may go on for centuries.