Technology

The article discusses about what they call fossil viruses  viruses that have infected living beings larger than an amoeba and have become dormant, failing to reproduce and evolve. Such viruses, when attached to egg or sperm cells can be transmitted to the offspring, thus turning into a part of the genetic line and over time, becomes disabled, if it were still reproducing and evolving when it was passed on.

Such studies have allowed scientists to get another view of how viruses evolved. This understanding could lead to the further understanding of H.I.V and how to best combat it. Moreover, fossil viruses are adding a new dimension to the theory of evolution. With an estimate of 8.3 percent of the human genome which can be traced back to retrovirus infections, scientists have concluded there must be more of these hidden in our bodies.

The one discovered in humans, and the focal point of the article, called the borna virus is only the beginning of such discoveries as scientists presume, finding other fossil viruses in mammals such as apes, squirrels, guinea pigs, elephants and monkeys. These bona viruses are found, not be destructive, but to be benefiting our bodies. However, the how exactly is unclear as opposed to others, used to make syncytin, which is found to ward off viral invasions and enable mothers to send nutrients to their embryos.

Scientifically Sound
The article, I believe, is good science. Although linking it to the much debated topic about evolution could send creationists dismissing such discoveries as proof of evolution, no one could discount the fact that this discovery is very useful. This is true particularly in the field of understanding viruses and how to combat them, especially pertaining to retroviruses such as HIV, plaguing our society. This further understanding of viruses can also translate to it being useful science that can advance medical science.

Lessons
From this article, I learned, first of all, the existence of fossil viruses, what they are and how they came to be. I also learned that not all viruses can be considered harmful for the body, as in the case of fossil viruses that are used to make syncytin. Finally, I learned that viruses can be transferred from one generation to another by means of integrating themselves into the egg andor sperm cells of parents.

Class Associations
The article can very well relate to genetics, the evolution of life and human biology. Genetics could be related since the article since viruses have genetic codes that embed themselves into a DNA strand as discussed in the article. This can also fall under the evolution of life especially because this is another proof of evidence of our connection with our primal primate counterparts. Its connection to human biology is obvious since it deals with further understanding of the human body.