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)