viruses and 'new information'

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.

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