Corey S PowellJan 1, 2023
Researchers have discovered the first known "virovore," an organism that feeds on viruses. Probably there are many others like it -- an entire, previously unknown food chain.
One day into 2023, and already things are going topsy turvy.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/975344 #ecology #life
Eating viruses can power growth, reproduction of microorganism

In a turnabout worthy of Pac-Man, University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers have found that microscopic ciliates can eat huge numbers of infectious chloroviruses that share their aquatic habitat. For the first time, the team’s lab experiments have also shown that a virus-only diet, which the team calls “virovory,” is enough to fuel the physiological growth and even population growth of an organism.

EurekAlert!
Show threadElysia Macht

@coreyspowell Oh to still have Twtr's speedy access to gifs.

This is calling for the old 'Frankenstein's monster (or creature) with his arms stretched out' one with the text "Friend" on it.

Frieeeend. #Fren, Friend Shaped & all that.

Jan 3, 2023 at 12:49amWeb
Show threadAshsmashbgashJan 3, 2023
@ElysiaMacht @coreyspowell omg were you going to send that to me?! Jk
Show threadElysia MachtJan 3, 2023

@ashsmashbgash Oh no no no, I'm very picky about what I go "Freeeeen" at. ;P Humans usually don't qualify, whereas the oddest looking creatures, monsters or things might. It helps if things have scales, tentacles & the sort.

I'm a big fan of Daleks from Doctor Who. They're very universally lethal= incredibly fren-shaped beings to me automatically thus then. 🐙

I'm voted most likely to get killed hugging monsters & villains.

If you know Agnes from Despicable Me, I'm her with her "Ooh, puppy!"