Scientists have discovered algae virus or can affect the body's mental capacity

Release date: 2014-11-14

Recently, in a research paper published in the international magazine PNAS, scientists from Johns Hopkins University found that individuals with algae viruses in the throat may be more difficult to complete mental exercise than healthy individuals. The virus is called ATCV-1, Acanthocystis turfacea Chlorella virus, and studies have shown that it can limit the cognitive ability of mice.

In the article, the researchers said that ATCV-1 was present in half of the 92 individuals in the body; when ATCV-1 was injected into the body of the mouse, it was difficult for the mouse to "navigate" in the maze. It's hard to notice the things around you. Researchers are still unclear why viruses can affect the body's mental function. Professor Robert Yolken said that we believe that additional scientific research is needed to uncover the effects of infectious agents commonly found in the environment on human health and cognition.

The discovery of ATCV-1 in this paper is based on the researcher's analysis of the throat microbes of healthy individuals. ATCV-1 is widely found in freshwater ponds and creeks. Previously, the researchers believed that the virus could only infect algae. However, this study found that when people accidentally swallow water containing virus during swimming, it will cause infection. Researchers are not clear whether the effects of ATCV-1 on the individual's brain are persistent or transient; researchers need further research to understand the role of the virus with DNA and the impact of the virus on human brain cognition. .

Finally, the researcher Jordan Josephson pointed out that, like many studies, we found that there are interactions between viruses, bacteria and fungi in the human body, which often affect the health of the human body. This study reveals human oral viruses and various health. The relationship between problems (such as cognitive problems), researchers in the later research will put more effort into revealing the mechanism of ATCV-1 found in this paper that affects human mental capacity.

Source: Bio Valley