First Virus-Eating Lifeform Discovered by the Scientists

January 04, 2023 By Raulf Hernes

(Image Credit Google)

Researchers discovered evidence that some microbes actively eat viruses. Researchers believe this is the first "virovore" to be discovered, but many more are likely to exist. Viruses, regardless of their precise definition, play numerous key roles in the entire lifespan of all other creatures. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln appears to be the first one to investigate whether viruses are on the menu. Their previous research had exposed them to chloroviruses, which are common in freshwater and infect green algae. They wanted to know if certain water-dwelling organisms had ever used viruses for energy. They began by collecting pond water samples to test their hypothesis. Then they released as many different types of microscopic beings as they could into the water. Finally, they introduced huge quantities of chlorovirus into the water and waited a day to see if anything changed. [caption id="attachment_79109" align="aligncenter" width="2560"]

Halteria (A) and Paramecium bursaria (B)[/caption] By the end of their experiments, they had discovered a species of Halteria—a single-celled protozoan that appeared to eat the chloroviruses. Not only did the virus population decline in the existence of the Halteria, but the number of protozoans increased, stating that the microbes were using the virus as fuel. When the chloroviruses were not present, the Halteria did not grow. When the researchers used fluorescent green dye to label the DNA of chloroviruses, they discovered. When the researchers used fluorescent green dye to label the DNA of chloroviruses once releasing them into the water, they could visibly see the Halteria's "stomachs" light up, confirming their viral diet. Viruses are made up of lots of good stuff: nucleic acids, a lot of nitrogen, and phosphorous. This study is the first to show that some microbes can sustain themselves with viruses alone. Halteria in a small pond may be able to eat as many as 10 trillion chloroviruses a day.

By Raulf Hernes

If you ask me raulf means ALL ABOUT TECH!!

First Virus-Eating Lifeform Discovered by the Scientists

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