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Ancient virus defends koalas against new viral attacks

August 8, 2018

The human genome is riddled with endogenous retroviruses – little pieces of degraded and generally harmless retrovirus DNA passed down through the generations, along with our own genetic information. Because most endogenous retroviruses have been part of our DNA for millions of years, scientists can’t explain how they went from their virulent, disease-causing forms to the inert bits of “junk DNA” most of them are today. A new study published today in the journal PNAS looks to koalas for an answer.


August 8, 2018


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Koala Study Reveals Clues About Origins of the Human Genome

November 5, 2014

Eight percent of your genome derives from retroviruses that inserted themselves into human sex cells millions of years ago. Right now the koala retrovirus (KoRV) is invading koala genomes, a process that can help us understand our own viral lineage and make decisions about managing this vulnerable species.  


November 5, 2014


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