MicrobeWorld

TWiV 23: Extreme Virology

Vincent, Dick, and Alan review a new macaque model for HIV-1 infection, a possible role for Epstein-Barr virus in multiple sclerosis, accidental release of H5N1 by a vaccine company, resistance of frogs to virus infection, and extreme virology - the biggest and smallest viruses and viral genomes.

Links for this episode:

• Harold Varmus on The Daily Show
• Macaque model for HIV-1 infection (photo of pig-tailed macaque)
• Possible role of Epstein-Barr virus in multiple sclerosis
• Accidental distribution of H5N1 influenza virus by pharmaceutical company
• Major histocompatibility class I marker and frog resistance to viral infection
• Smallest virion and DNA genome: Circovirus
• Largest virion and DNA genome: Mimivirus
• Biggest RNA genome: (we forgot to mention on the show!) Coronavirus SW1
• List of viral genome lengths at NCBI
• Sputnik virophage
• Papers for Macintosh and iPhone

Science blog of the week: H5N1 by Croft
Science podcast pick of the week: MicrobeWorld video
Science book of the week: Autism’s False Prophets by Paul A. Offit, MD (podcast with Dr. Ginger Campbell)

Send your virology questions and comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Download TWiV #23 (34 MB .mp3, 49 minutes)