Sequence-based approaches enable scientists to investigate the roles of viruses in complex microbial communities
March 9, 2021
Diverse microbial communities are found all over the planet, from ocean and soil ecosystems, to our own respiratory and intestinal systems. Only a small proportion of microbes are disease-causing pathogens, whereas many are commensals that regulate important processes, such as nutrient and energy cycling in natural ecosystems, and metabolism, aging, and disease susceptibility in humans. All of these microbial effects are driven by viruses that infect and co-evolve with the microbe, and several technological advances are enhancing scientists’ ability to “see” and study these viruses.