These new viruses could help us fight climate change

In the battle against climate change, researchers have stumbled upon an unexpected new ally in the waters of our world: viruses. 

Although not the kind that causes one to fall ill, these tiny minuscule creatures hold the potential to dramatically revolutionize carbon capture, a process essential to lower the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere, a key driver of global warming.

A team of experts in marine biology and climate science from Ohio State University have identified several ocean-based viruses and analyzed their genomes to assess their thieving capability to “steal” cells that process carbon in the sea.