Can Viruses Have Any Positive Effects or Uses?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential positive effects and uses of viruses, exploring various applications in biology, medicine, and pest control. Participants share insights on theoretical and practical implications of viruses, including gene therapy, molecular biology, and cancer treatment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using viral vectors for gene therapy as a beneficial application of viruses.
  • Others mention the use of viruses in molecular biology for cloning and cell transformation.
  • Insect viruses are suggested as a means for biological control of insect pests.
  • Some participants highlight the potential of bacteriophages to act as antibiotics by targeting bacteria that cause human illnesses.
  • A participant references research indicating that certain viruses may preferentially attack cancer cells, suggesting a possible therapeutic use against cancer.
  • There is mention of research suggesting that the hepatitis virus might help prevent asthma.
  • Viruses are noted as a source of income for pharmaceutical companies, indicating their economic impact.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the positive applications of viruses, with no consensus reached on which uses are most viable or beneficial.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific research findings, which may not be universally accepted or fully explored. The discussion includes references to articles and studies that may have varying levels of credibility and detail.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying biology, medicine, or pest control, as well as individuals curious about the multifaceted roles of viruses in various fields.

asfd
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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?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Viruses can used in molecular biology for cloning, transforming cells, etc.

Insect viruses can also be used as biological control of insect pest.
 
Many viruses [bacteriophages] attack bacteria that cause human illnesses, giving them potential as antibiotics. This is a very hot area of research.
 
Population control.
 
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.
 
Chronos said:
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?
 
Here is a good place to start. Lots of links.
http://www.phagetherapy.com/ptlinks.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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
 
Viruses are also used to create vacinnes (spelling?)
 
  • #10
They're a fantastic source of income for pharmaceutical companies?
 

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