Usman Paracha asked Carl Zimmer:

I have recently written a book on Beneficial Viruses. I think they can help a lot in moving our therapeutic strategies to new heights. What is your opinion about beneficial viruses?

Carl Zimmer Thanks for asking. There are many viruses that benefit us--or could benefit us if we figured out how to use them the right way. I'm fascinated by how some viruses seem to be able to regulate our inner ecosystem of bacteria, for example, and how they can keep infections in check. Viruses are showing promise as vehicles for delivering genes to cells for gene therapy for hemophilia and other congenital disorders. There are even viruses that have been engineered to build nano materials! --Carl

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