Viruses are the most abundant 'life forms' on this planet. It is likely all living things are infected by viruses. Clearly this has implications for the ecology of organisms they infect. However, studying viruses in their natural environment is no easy task. Traditional microbial ecology techniques are tested to their limits when applied to virus ecology. Indeed, virus ecology methodology has become specialised. New methods have been developed and old ones adapted. Researchers worldwide have now developed a new toolbox to study viruses in their natural environment.
The aim of this workshop was to provide a hands-on forum to learn some of the most up to date methods in virus ecology.
on this planet. It is likely all living things are infected by viruses. Clearly this has implications for the ecology of organisms they infect. However, studying viruses in their natural environment is no easy task. Traditional microbial ecology techniques are tested to their limits when applied to virus ecology. Indeed, virus ecology methodology has become specialised. New methods have been developed and old ones adapted. Researchers worldwide have now developed a new toolbox to study viruses in their natural environment.
