Alien viruses might be present in space, says a new study

Viruses are a different form of living organisms. They are abundantly present on our Earth. But, the new study suggests that they might be present I space as well. In the new study, the researchers talk about the possibility of presence of alien virus in space. Although on Earth, the viruses are the most abundant, they are also the least understood entities on Earth. The latest study led by Portland State University biology professor Ken Stedman wants to make the science fraternity aware of the fact that alien virus might be present in the Universe and that not enough research have not been done regarding this possibility.

Most people think that if there is any chance of getting alien life in space then that would most probably be in the form of microbes or micro bacteria. But the latest study suggests that other world might also host viruses. The scientists related to the study are talking about an entirely new discipline of astrobiology, dubbed as Astrovirology. Stedman wants that the scientists and astronomers should start developing strategies and tools needed to detect viruses in other worlds. He insisted that NASA and other space agencies should start looking for viruses in liquid samples from the moons of Saturn and Jupiter.

Stedman said that scientists should develop technology to detect viruses in ancient deposits of Earth as well as Mars. The scientists should try to determine whether Earth viruses could survive in space or not. Stedman said, “More than a century has passed since the discovery of the first viruses. Entering the second century of virology, we can finally start focusing beyond our own planet.” He further said he does not want to subdivide the field of astrobiology even further rather he wanted to ingrate viruses into ‘mainstream’ astrobiology.

According to Stedman, as the number of viruses present on Earth is 10 to 100 times more than any other cellular organisms, one cannot deny the fact that they might also be present on other planets. Although viruses are one of the most complex and biological entities, they are the indirect evi9dence of life, as said by Stedman. He further said that the latest paper involving the new astrovirological concept could inspire integration of virus research into astrobiology and also point out pressing unanswered questions in astrovirology, particularly regarding the detection of virus biosignatures and whether viruses could be spread extraterrestrially. The latest research paper was titled “Astrovirology: Viruses at Large in the Universe and was published in the journal Astrobiology.