The extraordinary role of viruses in evolution and how it is revolutionizing biology and medicine.

Darwin's theory of evolution is still the greatest achievement in biological science. The explanation of the role of natural selection in the evolution of life on Earth depends on the constant variation of living organisms over time – but it could not explain how this variation occurred. In the 150 years since the publication of "On the Origin of Species," we have discovered three main sources of this variation – mutation, hybridization, and epigenetics. On February 12, 2001, evidence for possibly the most extraordinary cause of variation was simultaneously published by two organizations – the code for the entire human genome. Not only is the human genome incredibly simple (it is only ten times more complex than a bacterium), but embedded within its code were large segments that came from viruses – segments that were vital to the evolution of all organisms and the evidence of a fourth and important source of variation – viruses.

"Virolution" is the product of Dr. Frank Ryan's decade-long research at the frontier of this new science – called viral symbiosis – and the astonishing revolution that has occurred in recent years. As scientists begin to look for evidence of viral involvement in more and more processes, they have discovered that they are vital in almost every case. And with this understanding comes the possibility of manipulating the role of viruses to help combat a wide range of diseases.

Pages: 400, Dimensions: 13.5x13.5cm