Ocean algae get ‘coup de grace’ from viruses – Phys.org

Scientists have long believed that ocean viruses always quickly kill algae, but Rutgers-led research shows they live in harmony with algae and viruses provide a “coup de grace” only when blooms of algae are already stressed and dying.
The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, will likely change how scientists view viral infections of algae, also known as phytoplanktonespecially the impact of viruses on ecosystem processes like algal bloom formation (and decline) and the cycling…

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