Every time we think we know all about the human body, something new surprises us. A recent study found peculiar structures called “obelisks” that have been living inside us without detection.
These obelisks are smaller than the viruses we usually learn about. Researchers searched through vast genetic libraries to find them, led by Nobel Prize winner Andrew Fire from Stanford University. They found these unusual shapes were unlike typical life forms, which raises crucial questions about what’s really going on inside us.
Mark Peifer, a cell and developmental biologist at UNC, describes the discovery as “insane.” He emphasizes that with each finding, we uncover more strange phenomena. These obelisks have features similar to viroids, which are known to affect plants. Yet, they’re different; they seem to exist within human-associated bacteria. Matthew Sullivan from Ohio State University warns that we still don’t fully understand the implications for human health.
## What’s RNA and Why It Matters
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is crucial for all living cells. Think of it as the messenger that helps turn genetic instructions from DNA into proteins that maintain our bodies. Unlike DNA, which is double-stranded, RNA usually takes a single-stranded form and can fold into various shapes for different functions, like helping to control gene expression.
## Unusual RNA Loops
Viruses typically have protective protein shells, but obelisks don’t. Instead, they carry RNA as tiny loops, suggesting life forms may need redefinition. Thousands of these obelisks have been identified across different parts of the human body, including the mouth and intestines. This suggests they have complex relationships with our internal ecosystems, though their roles remain unclear.
## Evolutionary Questions
The uniqueness of these findings prompts questions about how viruses and viroids evolved. Scientists have long debated whether modern viruses came from simpler RNA forms or became simpler over time. Obelisks add nuance to this discussion, hinting at an ancient lineage.
## Challenges in Categorization
Classifying these obelisks isn’t easy. They don’t fit neatly into current definitions of viruses or bacteria. This discovery could mean we’re missing whole classes of RNA-based life. Researchers used advanced computational techniques to sift through large genetic databases, revealing this hidden world.
Simon Roux, a computational biologist, emphasized how exciting this time is for researchers. The discovery, published in January 2024, has sparked interest among experts studying microbial communities.
## What’s Next?
For now, the impact of obelisks on human biology is uncertain. If they influence bacteria, they might also affect our health. Scientists continue to explore this tiny universe inside us, uncovering more mysteries about our bodies.
This study was published in bioRxiv and the Royal Society Open Science. As scientists delve deeper, we could find even more astonishing discoveries that could redefine what we know about life itself.
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