Newly Discovered Virus Widespread in Human Gut

A newly discovered virus has been found by a San Diego State University team to live inside more than half of all human gut cells sampled. Exploring genetic material found in intestinal samples, the international team uncovered the CrAssphage virus. They say the virus could influence the behaviour of some of the most common bacteria in our gut. Researchers say the virus has the genetic fingerprint of a bacteriophage - a type of virus known to infect bacteria. Phages may work to control the behaviour of bacteria they infect - some make it easier for bacteria to inhabit in their environments while others allow bacteria to become more potent. [Study lead Dr. Robert] Edwards said: "In some way phages are like wolves in the wild, surrounded by hares and deer. "They are critical components of our gut ecosystems, helping control the growth of bacterial populations and allowing a diversity of species." According to the team, CrAssphage infects one of the most common types of bacteria in our guts. National Geographic gives some idea why a virus so common in our gut should have evaded discovery for so long, but at least CrAssphage finally has a Wikipedia page of its own.

CrAssphage?

[Anonymous Coward]

come on...

The Phage

[Chad Smith]

Vidiians are going to be pissed.

Re:crAss

[Nemyst]

It's still a pretty shitty name though. I wonder if the scientists are bummed about the realization.

My pandemic

[cablepokerface]

Lol, so you guys finally discovered it! Well you're too late, haha. I am now going to invest my points in heart failure and liver failure and your doctors will never have a cure in time!

Re:CrAssphage?

[sjames]

I believe the Cr is for chromium. Thus the correct translation is "bite my shiny metal ass".

Re:Cr(oss) Ass(embly)

[Cryacin]

Who would have thought that scientists would stoop to this CrAss attempt at humour.

Re:Obama Is The Virus

[bigfinger76]

I specifically came here to joke about no one shoehorning Obama into this discussion yet. No shit.

You people are amazing.

Re:Most of you have it...

[ArsenneLupin]

everyone seems to want to share it.

... and I just thought only monkeys behaved like this...