5500 New Viruses Identified

In a recent analysis of the genetic material in the ocean, scientists have identified thousands of previously unknown RNA viruses.

• While scientists have cataloged hundreds of thousands of DNA viruses in their natural ecosystems, RNA viruses have been relatively unstudied.

RNA Viruses

• These viruses carry their genetic information in Ribonucleic acid (RNA), rather than Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).They evolve at much quicker rates than DNA viruses do.
• RNA viruses cause various diseases in people, ranging from the common cold to COVID-19. They also infect plants and animals important to people.

Background

• Unlike humans and other organisms composed of cells, viruses lack ....