Scientists have identified more than 100,000 RNA viruses that have never been seen before, a new study has revealed.
The experts also uncovered genes that have never been seen before in any RNA virus and had only previously been detected in DNA viruses or cellular life.
RNA viruses are those in which the genetic material is RNA (ribonucleic acid)—a compound present in all living cells that has structural similarities to DNA. They include the coronavirus and influenza viruses, as well as dengue and West Nile virus, among others.
The latest discovery could aid the development of treatments against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, as well as defenses against agriculturally harmful bacteria, fungi and pests, the researchers said.
The aim of the Cell study was to expand scientific knowledge of RNA viruses in the environment, which are “extremely” understudied, Uri Gophna of the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research in the Wise Faculty of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University, Israel, told Newsweek.
“Nearly all RNA viruses that were studied to date are pathogens important for human health and agriculture, but we knew there has to be large RNA virus diversity that remained unexplored,” Gophna, a lead researcher on the paper, said.
For the study, the international team analyzed publicly available data generated by more than one hundred labs all over the world at different times that studied different environments ranging from soil, through marine to man-made, such as waste treatment plants, among other ecosystems.
The researchers identified roughly 110,000 previously unknown RNA viruses, even identifying which organisms they are likely to infect. Most of them are not suspected to infect animals but rather bacteria, algae, fungi and protists—a group of primarily single-celled, microscopic organisms.
“We show that viruses from the same broad groups can often also infect widely different organisms,” Gophna said.
While some viruses can infect humans and cause disease, the vast majority are not harmful to us. Those that infect bacterial cells are among the most common.
“Most of the viruses that we have discovered pose little threat to animals and certainly humans,” Gophna said. “On the contrary, having access to many novel viruses that infect bacteria, can provide us with a future arsenal against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.”
The researcher mentioned that two other “impressive” RNA virus discovery efforts had been published previously this year.
“While they were not as comprehensive as our work, and discovered fewer viruses, and much fewer virus functions, they are of a similar scale to ours,” he said.

News
Johns Hopkins Researchers Uncover a New Way To Kill Cancer Cells
A new study reveals that blocking ribosomal RNA production rewires cancer cell behavior and could help treat genetically unstable tumors. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular [...]
AI matches doctors in mapping lung tumors for radiation therapy
In radiation therapy, precision can save lives. Oncologists must carefully map the size and location of a tumor before delivering high-dose radiation to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. But this process, called [...]
Scientists Finally “See” Key Protein That Controls Inflammation
Researchers used advanced microscopy to uncover important protein structures. For the first time, two important protein structures in the human body are being visualized, thanks in part to cutting-edge technology at the University of [...]
AI tool detects 9 types of dementia from a single brain scan
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that helps clinicians identify brain activity patterns linked to nine types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, using a single, widely available scan—a transformative [...]
Is plastic packaging putting more than just food on your plate?
New research reveals that common food packaging and utensils can shed microscopic plastics into our food, prompting urgent calls for stricter testing and updated regulations to protect public health. Beyond microplastics: The analysis intentionally [...]
Aging Spreads Through the Bloodstream
Summary: New research reveals that aging isn’t just a local cellular process—it can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. A redox-sensitive protein called ReHMGB1, secreted by senescent cells, was found to trigger aging features [...]
AI and nanomedicine find rare biomarkers for prostrate cancer and atherosclerosis
Imagine a stadium packed with 75,000 fans, all wearing green and white jerseys—except one person in a solid green shirt. Finding that person would be tough. That's how hard it is for scientists to [...]
Are Pesticides Breeding the Next Pandemic? Experts Warn of Fungal Superbugs
Fungicides used in agriculture have been linked to an increase in resistance to antifungal drugs in both humans and animals. Fungal infections are on the rise, and two UC Davis infectious disease experts, Dr. George Thompson [...]
Scientists Crack the 500-Million-Year-Old Code That Controls Your Immune System
A collaborative team from Penn Medicine and Penn Engineering has uncovered the mathematical principles behind a 500-million-year-old protein network that determines whether foreign materials are recognized as friend or foe. How does your body [...]
Team discovers how tiny parts of cells stay organized, new insights for blocking cancer growth
A team of international researchers led by scientists at City of Hope provides the most thorough account yet of an elusive target for cancer treatment. Published in Science Advances, the study suggests a complex signaling [...]
Nanomaterials in Ophthalmology: A Review
Eye diseases are becoming more common. In 2020, over 250 million people had mild vision problems, and 295 million experienced moderate to severe ocular conditions. In response, researchers are turning to nanotechnology and nanomaterials—tools that are transforming [...]
Natural Plant Extract Removes up to 90% of Microplastics From Water
Researchers found that natural polymers derived from okra and fenugreek are highly effective at removing microplastics from water. The same sticky substances that make okra slimy and give fenugreek its gel-like texture could help [...]
Instant coffee may damage your eyes, genetic study finds
A new genetic study shows that just one extra cup of instant coffee a day could significantly increase your risk of developing dry AMD, shedding fresh light on how our daily beverage choices may [...]
Nanoneedle patch offers painless alternative to traditional cancer biopsies
A patch containing tens of millions of microscopic nanoneedles could soon replace traditional biopsies, scientists have found. The patch offers a painless and less invasive alternative for millions of patients worldwide who undergo biopsies [...]
Small antibodies provide broad protection against SARS coronaviruses
Scientists have discovered a unique class of small antibodies that are strongly protective against a wide range of SARS coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and numerous early and recent SARS-CoV-2 variants. The unique antibodies target an [...]
Controlling This One Molecule Could Halt Alzheimer’s in Its Tracks
New research identifies the immune molecule STING as a driver of brain damage in Alzheimer’s. A new approach to Alzheimer’s disease has led to an exciting discovery that could help stop the devastating cognitive decline [...]