Viruses are the smallest creatures known to science, yet they control our entire planet. Everyone knows the cold and flu viruses well, but there are viruses that can cause the most bizarre diseases, such as when tree-like growths develop on a person's skin. Viruses are not just part of our lives: the human genome contains more of their genetic material than our own genes. Meanwhile, scientists continue to find viruses everywhere: in the soil, in the ocean, even in caves thousands of meters deep. This amazing book introduces the secret world in which we all live. Drawing on the latest research, popular science journalist Carl Zimmer talks about how viruses control our lives and the biosphere, how they gave impetus to the development of the first forms of life on earth, and how they will determine our future destinies.
