A virus is attacking koalas' genes. But their DNA is fighting back
- Written by Keith Chappell, Senior Research Fellow, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland
A virus that infects koalas is steadily integrating itself into their DNA, ensuring that it is passed down from generation to generation. But the koala genome is defending itself, revealing that DNA has its own immune system to shut down invaders.
The virus, called koala retrovirus (KoRV), is linked to weakened immunity, cancer, and chlamydia...
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