#viroids

#viroids

Scientists have discovered virus-like structures called obelisks in the human gut and mouth.

These obelisks may influence gene activity within the human microbiome and infect bacteria.

Further study could help determine the relationship between obelisks and viruses or viroids.

Scientists have discovered rogue bits of RNA colonizing the bacteria in our gut, which may represent a new class of infectious agent.

The researchers identified thousands of single-stranded RNA loops that did not code for proteins, called obelisks, in the human gut and mouth microbiomes.