viral genetic material germline inherited ancient viruses

Ancient viruses can leave pieces of themselves in DNA

If viral DNA enters the cells that produce offspring, it can be passed down for many generations. Scientists can study these old pieces of viral DNA to learn about viruses that existed millions of years ago, even though viruses rarely leave ordinary fossils.

Columbus’s voyages relied on a wind circuit

Ships could sail west from the Canary Islands with winds from the northeast, then turn north to catch winds blowing east toward Europe. Portuguese sailors called the circuit volta do mar, meaning “turn of the sea.”

A forged letter was used against Labour

Days before Britain’s 1924 general election, a letter falsely presented as coming from Soviet official Grigory Zinoviev was leaked by MI6 and used against the Labour government. It remains unclear whether MI6 knew the letter was forged when it leaked it.

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viral genetic material germline inherited ancient viruses

Ancient viruses can leave pieces of themselves in DNA

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