Finland has now joined the list of countries with giant viruses, as researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have isolated a new species. The virus, named Jyvaskylavirus, is about 200 nanometres in diameter and was found to be related to viruses from France.
The discovery suggests that giant viruses may be more widespread than previously thought and play key roles in ecosystems. These viruses are often misunderstood as posing no threat to humans, but they actually regulate microbial populations in soil and water.
According to the study’s lead researcher, Lotta-Riina Sundberg, the finding will help scientists understand how microbes interact with each other and the role of viruses in regulating these interactions. The Jyvaskylavirus was discovered through a collaboration between researchers from Finland and France.
The discovery opens up new avenues for research into giant viruses and their impact on ecosystems. As one scientist noted, “the discovery will provide new insights into the structure of giant viruses” and help to better understand how they function in different environments.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-first-giant-virus-in-finnish-soil