The Medusavirus

Virologists have recently discovered a giant virus, much like the mythical monster- Medusa, that can turn amoebas into "stone". The discovery of the Medusavirus holds clues to more complex life. This virus infects a species of amoeba known as Acanthamoeba Castellanii, and causes it to develop a hard stony shell. Researchers have discovered that DNA replication occurred in the nucleus of the host amoeba and evidence of exchange of genetic information between both the host and virus was observed. It was also discovered that the Medusavirus contains some of the complex protein building blocks of eukaryotes. Scientists have even stated that, "genomics research of the giant virus indicates that there is likely a relationship between the Medusavirus and the origin of eukaryotic life." Viruses are classified based on how they generate mRNA to produce proteins and genetic material. The Medusavirus is a nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus. Unlike most viruses, it contains genes that encode for proteins that involve DNA packaging. This virus has a full set of histones, which are proteins that help keep the DNA folded within the nucleus. This was very strange to scientists considering viruses do not contain a nucleus. This could mean the virus acquired the histones during coevolution. This could mean that the Medusa virus is a family all on its own. Overall, I think this is a beneficial discovery that can help better understand the virus genome and better equip ourselves with possible vaccines. 

A new giant virus may help scientists better understand the emergence of complex life.

New Methods Needed for Growing Influenza Strains

The common practice of growing influenza viruses in chicken eggs has been found to be ineffective for human vaccinations. Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute studied H3N2, an influenza variant virus, in injected chicken eggs and discovered that there was a mutation in the hemagglutinin glycoprotein (HA), which binds the virus to cells. Why did this mutation occur? The virus needed to adapt to the chicken egg environment in order to survive and grow, therefore the virus created mutations- one of which being the L194P mutation in the HA. The L194P mutation changed a key protein that would bind more efficiently to bird cell receptors instead human cell receptors. Vaccine production companies were using the mutated version of the H3N2 virus in their products which ultimately proved to be 33 percent effective against the H3N2 virus.
This study shows the synergistic relationship between the environment and genetics. In our intro biology classes, we mostly learn about Mendelian genetics that is more clear cut and predictable, however real life problems can never be solved by a simple punnet square. This chicken egg study proves exactly why many other factors, such as the environment, can also influence genetics. Both genetics and the environment amplified the effects on human immunology in this study. I think it will be really interesting to see what and how scientists decide is the next best mammalian model to grow strains in.

References:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171030134625.htm
http://www.virology.ws/2009/12/10/influenza-virus-growth-in-eggs/