American scientists have discovered a virus that affects the cognitive (cognitive) skills of healthy people, writes the British newspaper The Independent. According to a study by experts from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine at the University of Nebraska, this virus has never been observed in healthy people before.
Scientists discovered the virus by accident while studying microbes in a person's throat. During their research, they unexpectedly found that the DNA of the virus found inside the throat matched the DNA of a virus that infects green algae.
Of the 90 people who took part in the study, 40 were carriers. Those who did have it showed less satisfactory results on tests related to visual speed and accuracy, as well as attention level.
According to research lead virologist Dr. Robert Jolken, many of the psychological differences between these people are due to their genes, but in some cases, it is the microorganisms inside.
“This stunning example proves that the supposedly harmless microorganisms that live inside us can affect our behavior and our perception,” he said.
