What's Happening?
A team of researchers has discovered previously unknown entities, referred to as 'obelisks,' living inside human bodies. These entities, which are smaller than typical viruses, were identified through the analysis of massive genetic libraries. The discovery
was led by Nobel Prize winner Andrew Fire from Stanford University. These obelisks resemble viroids, which are infectious RNA loops known to affect plants, but they appear in human-associated bacteria. The presence of these entities challenges existing assumptions about the human microbiome and raises questions about what other unknown organisms might exist within the human body. The findings suggest that these obelisks are widespread, appearing in various parts of the human body, including the mouth and intestinal tract.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of obelisks inside human bodies is significant as it challenges the current understanding of the human microbiome and the diversity of life forms that inhabit it. This finding could have implications for human health, as these entities might influence bacterial behavior, potentially affecting human biology. The presence of such previously unknown life forms suggests that there may be entire classes of RNA-based life that have yet to be discovered, which could lead to a reevaluation of microbial life categorization. Understanding these entities could provide insights into the evolutionary history of viruses and viroids, as well as the complex interactions within the human microbiome.
What's Next?
Researchers are continuing to study these obelisks to understand their role and impact on human health. The potential influence of these entities on bacterial behavior and, by extension, human biology remains uncertain. Further research is needed to determine the long-term implications of these findings. Scientists are also exploring the possibility of discovering more unknown life forms within the human microbiome, which could lead to new insights into the complexity and diversity of life. The study of obelisks and similar entities may require the development of new computational tools and methodologies to accurately identify and categorize these life forms.
