Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, and Alan Dove
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.
Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download TWiV #23 (34 MB .mp3, 49 minutes)
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 twiv@twiv.tv.
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