Scientists in Brazil have uncovered a completely new kind of virus called Yaravirus. It is so unique to science that not even its genes have been identified beforehand. The virus, identified in a new research paper, has been detected in a lake in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
As mentioned by ScienceAlert, in honor of a Brazilian mythological figure known as "Iara," the virus has been dubbed Yaravirus, and it poses an exciting challenge for researchers working to better understand its genome.
The virus is not classified as a "giant virus" that was previously discovered by the international research team but it is still incredibly unique.
"We're discussing Yaravirus here, an organism that could either represent the first isolated Acanthamoeba spp virus. Out of the NCLDV community or, in an alternate evolutionary scenario, this group is a remote and highly reduced virus," the researchers write.
"Contrary to what is found in other isolated amoeba viruses, Yaravirus is not characterized by a large/giant particle and a complex genome, but at the same time carries a significant number of previously undescribed genes, including one that codes a novel major capsid protein.
Metagenomic studies have also shown that Yaravirus is rare in the world.
It's exciting for researchers to find new viruses, but discovering one that bears almost no resemblance to any previously studied virus is indeed very unusual.
With all the hype surrounding the coronavirus scare, the public would be forgiven for seeing such a new and unique virus discovered as potentially alarming. Luckily that doesn't seem to be the case.
Only a relatively small percentage of viruses in any form is indeed dangerous to humans.
Scientists have no reason to believe that Yaravirus is anything but it is a unique opportunity for them.
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