Scientific breakthroughs in viral DNA and genetic sequencing

Scientists have identified a virus that acquired a human gene approximately 100,000 years ago. Research published in the journal Science reveals that the molluscum contagiosum virus contains a fragment of human DNA, marking a rare instance of a virus retaining a host gene in recent evolutionary history. Researchers, including Cedric Feschotte from Cornell University, discovered the gene while analyzing viral gene databases.

In a separate development in genetic science, chemist Shankar Balasubramanian, along with colleagues David Klenerman and Pascal Mayer, has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Scientific and Technical Research. Their work in high-capacity genetic sequencing technology has revolutionized medicine by allowing human genomes to be sequenced in approximately one day at a significantly reduced cost. This advancement enables clinical use of genome sequencing to detect, diagnose, and stratify diseases, potentially improving cancer treatments in the future.