Ferrer, Mark Alvin A.

2010-85017 BS Biochemistry

June 25, 2012 Bio 120 Lec

Article 1: World's biggest virus found in sea off Chile (7:00AM BST 11 Oct 2011)

A virus found in the sea off Chile is the biggest in the world, harboring more than 1,000 genes. The genome of Megavirus chilensis is 6.5 per cent bigger than the DNA code of the previous virus record-holder, Mimivirus, isolated in 2003. Viruses differ from bacteria in that they are usually far smaller and cannot reproduce on their own, needing to penetrate a host cell in which to replicate. But M. chilensis is such a giant that it surpasses many bacteria in size and is genetically the most complex DNA virus ever described.
Megavirus chilensisa, a virus found in the sea off Chile Photo: AFP/GETTY IMAGES

It was taken from sea water sample closed to the shore of Las Cruces, Chile. Its host

organism is unknown. DNA viruses include pox viruses and herpes viruses, but M. chilensis "doesn't seem to be harmful for humans," said Jean-Michel Claverie, of France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). The study appears in a US journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Reference: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/8819432/Worlds-biggest-virus-found-in-sea-off-Chile.html

Article 2: 7 deadliest Bacteria on Earth (Nov 17, 2010)

Bacteria are the pathogens that cause deadly illness and disease in their human hosts. Millions of people every year die because of these tiny living beings that multiply in our system and take advantage of any weaknesses they find. Defining "deadly bacteria" is difficult because there are many factors, including do you look at what has killed the most in history, or the bacteria that is fatal without treatment but made innocuous with treatment? That said, here are some amazing photographs of deadly bacteria in our world. (Presentation of pictures and corresponding data)

Reference: http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/news-10-deadliest-bacteria?image=0

Article 3: Soap up! The 12 germiest places in your life (11/12/2008 8:32:18 AM ET)

Sure, there are outbreaks of microbes and viruses across the country, but some of these germs are lurking where you least expect them. Health magazine senior editor Frances Largeman-Roth pinpoints the 12 germiest places youre likely to encounter during an average day and devises ways for you to keep clean. After all, the fight is in your hands. Literally. Eighty percent of infections are spread through hand contact. So wash up, people, and get ready to wage a bit of germ warfare of your own. (Presentation of pictures and corresponding data)
1. Your kitchen sink, 2. Airplane bathrooms , 3. A load of wet laundry , 4. Public drinking fountains , 5. Shopping cart handles , 6. ATM buttons , 7. Your handbag , 8. Playgrounds , 9. Mats and machines at health clubs, 10. Your bathtub , 11. Your office phone , 12.The hotel-room remote control.

Reference: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21423163/ns/today-today_health/t/soap-germiestplaces-your-life/#.T-iLsxce5mk