A virus that can impair cognitive functions in the human brain has been discovered by a team of scientists from the John Hopkins Medical School at the University of Nebraska. The virus, known as ATCV-1, is typically found in freshwater lakes and ponds and infects green algae. Until now, it was believed to be harmless to humans. However, the researchers found that the virus has the ability to influence certain brain functions, such as attention span and spatial perception, and can slow down thought processes. The virus does not cause any obvious illness, so the infection can go unnoticed.
In a study of 92 healthy participants, the researchers found that 44% of them had the ATCV-1 virus in their throats. The infected participants scored seven to nine points lower on tests measuring precision and speed of visual processing in the brain compared to the non-infected participants. The virus was also found to affect the memory and learning processes in mice, as well as their immune systems. The researchers suggest that the discovery could lead to new medical insights that could be used to enhance cognitive functions in humans.
The discovery of the ATCV-1 virus is significant because it is the first time that scientists have found microorganisms that can directly manipulate human physiology without affecting the immune system. The virus is believed to be transmitted through unknown means, as simple swimming in a lake or pond does not appear to be responsible for infection. The study highlights the fact that microorganisms that we carry within us can influence our behavior and cognitive abilities.
