This Week in Virology #23: Extreme virology

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.

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.

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

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