"Virus-like 'Obelisks' Discovered in Human Gut Microbes"

Researchers have discovered virus-like structures called "obelisks" in the microbiomes of human mouths and guts, which are distinct from traditional viruses and viroids. These obelisks, composed of unique RNA sequences, were found in about 7% of gut bacteria and half of mouth bacteria microbiomes analyzed. The findings, though preliminary, suggest a previously unknown layer of the microbial world and raise questions about their origins, potential effects on human health, and evolutionary relationship to viruses.