Since the first virus was discovered in 1892, researchers have been trying to elicit how exactly do they cause disease. In a major breakthrough that helps us better understand how viruses cause diseases in plants – and potentially in animals and humans – CSIRO plant scientists Dr Ming-Bo Wang and Neil Smith have revealed a genetic mechanism that enables viral organisms to infect hosts and cause diseases. Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) is a common, destructive virus that affects a wide range of food crops and ornamental plants. The researchers found that CMV, accompanied by a special type of viral particle… Login to continue

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