Why Scientists Are Puzzled By The Human Virome

Your body is teeming with trillions of viruses right now, and they are not the enemies you might think. Scientists have recently discovered that these viruses, making up the human virome, are crucial to your health. This fascinating and mysterious ecosystem of viruses works tirelessly to protect your body from disease, and might even have the power to kill cancer cells.

You are an Ecosystem

Imagine your body as a bustling metropolis made up of 40 trillion cells. This complex city is home to the human microbiome, another 40 trillion bacteria that live in harmony with your body. These bacteria play vital roles: breaking down food, synthesizing vitamins, neutralizing acid, balancing the immune system, and even preventing harmful bacteria from invading. However, this balance is delicate. Bacteria multiply and push their limits, constantly testing the boundaries of their environment.

Enter Viruses

To maintain harmony, your body relies on a group of deadly predators: viruses. At least 10 trillion viruses inhabit your body, with tens of thousands of different species. They are everywhere – a few trillion reside in your gut, 18 billion on your skin, 100 million in each drop of saliva, dozens of millions in the urinary tract, and up to 10,000 in a single drop of cerebrospinal fluid. While this might sound alarming, about 97% of these gut viruses are bacteriophages or phages. These phages specialize in hunting and killing bacteria, ensuring that bacterial populations remain in check.

The Symbiotic Virus Ecosystem

These viruses form the human virome, a unique and symbiotic virus ecosystem essential for your health. This virome is not only a fascinating aspect of human biology but also a frontier of scientific research. Understanding it better could unlock new ways to protect against diseases and even develop cancer treatments.

Curious to learn more about the wild world of the human virome? Dive deeper into this intriguing topic and discover the unseen protectors living within you. Watch the full video and embark on a journey of scientific discovery with Kurzgesagt.

Don't miss out on the exclusive Determinator 3000 Pin, available for a limited time on the Kurzgesagt shop. Visit the links provided for more insights and to pre-order the pin before it's gone!