TWiV #23 - Extreme virology

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)