Human Cancer cells consume virus cells for Energy

Recent research, written about by Darren Incorvaia on ScienceNews.com, has challenged the conventional understanding of bacteriophages, bacteria-killing viruses. It was previously believed that these viruses only interacted with the bacteria they infect. However, a study conducted by microbiologist Jeremy Barr found that lab-grown mammalian cancer cells can use these viruses as a food source. The research suggests that human cells, including noncancerous ones, may also utilize bacteriophage virus cells as a source of energy. This discovery contradicts traditional biological beliefs, indicating a potential new avenue for understanding how these viruses interact with mammalian cells. Further research is needed to determine how these findings apply to cells in living animals and their implications for virus and human health.