On the science show This Week in Virology we receive many questions and comments, which are read every week. I also get many questions here on virology blog, which I tend to answer by email. However I think that everyone could benefit from these questions, so I've decided to post ...

On episode #279 of the science show This Week in Virology, Vincent, Alan, and Kathy reveal how a retrovirus in the human genome keeps embryonic stem cells in a pluripotent state, from where they can differentiate into all cells of the body. You can find TWiV #279 at www.microbe.tv/twiv.

About eight percent of human DNA is viral - remnants of ancestral infections with retroviruses. These endogenous retroviral sequences do not produce infectious viruses, and most are considered to be junk DNA. But some of them provide important functions. The protein called syncytin, which is essential for formation of the ...

On episode #278 of the science show This Week in Virology, Vincent, Dickson, Alan, and Kathy discuss disruption of the ccr5 gene in lymphocytes of patients infected with HIV-1. You can find TWiV #278 at www.microbe.tv/twiv.

The latest addition to the Microbe Art gallery here at virology blog is Watty's Wall Stuff, where you will find beautiful cross-stitched viruses such as influenza virus, rabies virus, human immunodeficiency virus, herpesvirus and more. Here are some examples of Alicia Watkin's delicate and creative work.   There are even bacteria, fungi, ...