Jakarta, IO – A number of virologists have discovered several viruses with unique shapes. These viruses were found in New England, United States.
The soil samples were originally collected from a soil in a forest belonging to Harvard University in 2019. The findings were then sent for analysis to the Max Planck Institute in Germany, per detikcom, Thursday (3/8).
The soil samples was examined under an electron microscope capable of magnifying objects. As a result, the ground is full of viruses that are up to 635 nanometers in size, considered larger compared to viruses commonly found in the human body, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19 disease, which are only 50-140 nanometers.
“Transmission electron microscopy, revealed an astonishing diversity of virus-like particles,” the scientists wrote. “Remarkably, we found that several hundred grams of forest soil contained more diverse strains than all the giant viruses so far isolated.”
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One of the giant viruses the researchers found has large limbs arranged in a symmetrical pattern. Researchers describe this virus like a turtle. Other viruses were referred to as ‘alien’.
Another virus was found to have long tubes popping up on all sides which made it look like the ancient Greek mythological figure, Medusa. The researchers said the forms of the virus they found had never been seen before. (un)