Can Viruses Have Any Positive Effects or Uses?

[asfd]

Last week I had a test in biology and our teacher asked us if we see any good side to viruses. I was so surprised by that question since he never talked about that... Anyway, I could only think of using viral vectors as a way to introduce genes possibly allowing gene therapy...

Are you aware of other good sides or utiilities of viruses?

 

[iansmith]

Viruses can used in molecular biology for cloning, transforming cells, etc.

Insect viruses can also be used as biological control of insect pest.

 

[Chronos]

Many viruses [bacteriophages] attack bacteria that cause human illnesses, giving them potential as antibiotics. This is a very hot area of research.

 

[False Prophet]

Population control.

 

[motai]

I read a SciAm article a few years back about the use of viruses against cancer cells after researchers noted that they had the tendency to attack cancer cells more often than regular healthy cells.

 

[Phobos]

Many viruses [bacteriophages] attack bacteria that cause human illnesses, giving them potential as antibiotics. This is a very hot area of research.

I've often wondered about the feasibility of this. Know of any good links offhand?

 

[Chronos]

Here is a good place to start. Lots of links.
http://www.phagetherapy.com/ptlinks.html

 

[PRodQuanta]

Some research shows that the hepatitis virus may help prevent asthma. Found it in this months SciAm. Check it out for a more detailed explanation.

Paden Roder

 

[Noticibly F.A.T]

Viruses are also used to create vacinnes (spelling?)

 

[Flying Penguin]

They're a fantastic source of income for pharmaceutical companies?