Unraveling the Mystery of the 'Rapunzel' Virus

Researchers have discovered the secret behind the "Rapunzel bacteriophage," a virus with an extremely long tail that preys on some of the toughest bacteria on the planet. The tail is formed from vertically stacking rings of molecules that make a hollow canal, and the building blocks of the tail lean on each other to stabilize themselves. The virus uses a "ball and socket" mechanism to sturdy itself, and it is the most stable phage, allowing it to exist in and infect bacteria that live in hot springs that can reach over 170° F.