Algae Viruses That Might Infect Humans

Long thought to only attack pond scum, a massive family of viruses called Phycodnaviridae has surprised scientists by showing signs that they can infect humans as well.

These large DNA viruses were strictly considered enemies of algae, helping regulate marine life by recycling nutrients back into the water. However, recent evidence suggests these viruses might have a broader target range than the microscopic plants they usually destroy. Some experts are even looking into using these viruses as biological agents to stop toxic red tides that harm fisheries. This discovery challenges our basic understanding of how these ancient viral families interact with the world around us.