SINISTER: Scientists discover virus that grows wings in hosts

Just imagine one virus which turns its victims into creatures with wings! This is the rice stripe tenuivirus, recently discovered by scientists and also known as the rice stripe virus (in Portuguese).

This news is curious and is actually causing a real stir in Asian plantations.

It is no surprise that a team of scientists from the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese University of Beijing Academy of Sciences is keeping an eye on this peculiarity.

Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a virus capable of giving its hosts wings? But the burning question is: how does this happen? Are there people flying around?

Laodelphax striatellus: the insect is the only victim of the virus – Photo: C. Quintin/Reproduction

Calm down, let’s not create panic! O virus It has nothing against us humans. He really targets the insects that inhabit rice fields, especially the Laodelphax striatellusa species of biting hemiptera native to Eurasia and North Africa.

This creature, similar to a cicada or bed bug, aroused the curiosity of scientists, who are keeping an eye on the peculiar effects caused by the virus.

So no, dear reader, for now no microorganism will transform you into a creature with wings and generate a story worthy of a superhero.

However, the particularities of this discovery have intrigued the group of scientists who already have some answers.

Understand the mutation that brings wings

The curious RNA virus has “given wings” to its victims, as it triggers a genetic mutation that results in longer wings in male insects.

The intriguing phenomenon is not limited to laboratories, it is also observed in nature, when the mutation occurs and can even go unnoticed.

Scientists tracked the gene responsible for this mutation, noting its absence in females, which shows that only males are impacted.

The action of the virus has a remarkable effect: it helps males to fly faster, higher and for longer periods. And this, in turn, contributes to a more effective spread of the peculiar condition.

Another virus has a similar effect

Surprisingly, in 2021, the cucumber mosaic virus was revealed by the France TV Info website, showing similar effects.

In this peculiar situation, a specific biochemical reaction allows infected aphids to develop wings, while those not affected by the disease remain without.

However, it is worth highlighting that, unlike the rice stripe virus, this action is more intricate and does not involve genetic modifications.

The research by Chinese scientists marks just the beginning. A complete understanding of how the virus works is crucial to developing effective combat strategies and preventing its spread. Let’s see how this unfolds history!