A look into the virosphere of clouds: A world yet to be explored
Janina Rahlff, Pierre Amato

TL;DR
This paper explores the presence and potential ecological impact of viruses in clouds, highlighting a largely unexplored area of atmospheric microbiology.
Contribution
The paper estimates the global cloud virome at 10^21 virus particles and discusses their ecological implications.
Findings
Clouds globally contain an estimated 10^21 virus particles.
Virus-bacteria interactions in clouds may significantly influence microbial ecology.
Despite harsh conditions, viruses persist in clouds and contribute to microbial dynamics.
Abstract
•Viruses are largely overlooked in outdoor aeromicrobiological studies.•Based on current knowledge in aeromicrobiology, a total of 1021 virus particles are estimated to occupy clouds globally.•Although very dilute, these may contribute to the atmospheric life cycle of microorganisms.•Virus-bacteria interactions in clouds would have many implications in ecology and the Earth’s microbiome. Viruses are largely overlooked in outdoor aeromicrobiological studies. Based on current knowledge in aeromicrobiology, a total of 1021 virus particles are estimated to occupy clouds globally. Although very dilute, these may contribute to the atmospheric life cycle of microorganisms. Virus-bacteria interactions in clouds would have many implications in ecology and the Earth’s microbiome. Clouds are aqueous atmospheric systems hosting diverse and active microorganisms. Viruses may also persist…
Genes, proteins, chemicals, diseases, species, mutations and cell lines named across the full text — each resolved to its canonical identifier and authoritative record.
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Taxonomy
TopicsBacteriophages and microbial interactions · Plant and Fungal Interactions Research · Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
