Why in the News?

For the first time, several ‘vampire viruses have been detected in the soil samples in the USA recently.

About Vampire Viruses:

• "Vampire viruses", also known as virophages, are viruses that parasitize other viruses.
• They have been known to science for decades, but this is the first time they have been discovered in the United States.
• The viruses were found in soil samples from Maryland and Missouri.
• Virophages are thought to attach themselves to other viruses and inject their own genetic material into the host-virus.
• This genetic material then takes over the host virus's replication machinery, allowing the virophage to reproduce itself.
• The host-virus is eventually destroyed in the process.
• Virophages could be used to control harmful viruses that infect crops or livestock.
• They could also be used to design new antiviral drugs that target viruses in a more specific way than current drugs.
• However, the discovery of virophages also raises some concerns.
• Virophages could potentially kill beneficial viruses that play an important role in the environment.
• For example, some viruses help to break down organic matter in soil, while others help to control populations of harmful bacteria.