Virus Up Their Game: The Story of Myxoma Virus Evolution in Australian Rabbits (VIDEO)
Caption
Wild European rabbits were introduced to Australia in the 19th century and quickly spread, wreaking havoc on the land and devastating crops. The myxoma virus was initially extremely effective in reducing the population of these invaders. Scientists at the time were interested in understanding how the virus would evolve in this new, European, host. Today the Myxoma virus has developed a novel and deadly ability to suppress the immune response of its host rabbits, according to research conducted at Penn State University by Andrew Read.
Credit
Penn State University, Eberly College of Science.
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