Scientists Estimate 10²¹ Viruses in Clouds: Exploring Earth's Hidden Cloud Virosphere

Clouds are more than water droplets. They host active microbial communities and, potentially, vast numbers of viruses. This article explores evidence that the global cloud virome contains roughly 10²¹ virus particles, examines how virus-bacteria interactions may shape microbial ecology during atmospheric transport, and highlights key research priorities for understanding the ecological role of the cloud virosphere.



Read full article for free (open access):

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666517425002056#




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