Is the World's Largest Virus a Genetic Time Capsule?

gbrumfiel writes "Researchers in France have discovered the world's largest virus and given it a terrifying name: Pandoravirus. NPR reports it doesn't pose a threat to people, but its genetic code could hint at an unusual origin. The team believes that the virus may carry the genes from a long-dead branch of the tree of life, one that possibly even started on Mars or somewhere else. Other scientists are skeptical, but everyone agrees that the new giant virus is pretty cool."

Re:Macrovirus?

[EzInKy]

There is a difference?

Best read with a Thomas Dolby intonation

[Empiric]

... one that possibly even started on Mars or somewhere else.

Science.

Re:In Soviet Russia...

[cold fjord]

Try this one instead: In Soviet Russia, box of Pandoravirus opens you.

Pandoravirus isn't such a terrifying name

[Anonymous Coward]

I think if you wanted to really terrify people, you'd name it Pandora's Pox.

This is old news

[shikaisi]

The world's largest virus was discovered a long time ago. It's called Windows 8.

Re:Um

[JustOK]

I heard there is at least one layer of bacon.

Re:In Soviet Russia...

[ubersoldat2k7]

In NSA America world's largest virus discovers YOU!

Re:This is old news

[Anonymous Coward]

I found an old Windows ME box in Lake Vostok.