viruses and 'new information'

[rmwilliamsll]

see http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/10345693.htm?1c

In an astonishing set of papers and a new book, UCI virologist Luis Villarreal contends viruses are largely responsible for shaping how we look, how we speak, even how we think.

In fact, he says, they are an overlooked evolutionary force, one that has been powerfully influencing the shape of living things since life began - actually, since a little before life began.

"I'm saying they are a creative force in the evolution of all life," he said in a recent interview.

i'm looking forward to the book, this is been an idea i've seen over the last 20 years that is really interesting and worth a closer study.

 

[Vance]

The current edition of one of the science magazines (Scientific American or Discover, I believe) has viruses as its cover story. I think the issue is whether viruses are alive or not. May also have some interesting information.