In episode 28 of This Week in Virology, hosts Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Dick Despommier, and Eric F. Donaldson discuss a new test for influenza H5N1, poliovirus in Minnesota, Koala retrovirus, batteries made from viruses, and SARS.

Links for this episode:

• New rapid test for influenza H5N1 based on PDZ binding. Definition of ELISA.
• Poliovirus isolated from Minnesotan (article 1 and 2)
• Koala retrovirus: Japan story and review article
• Batteries made from viruses (cathode and anode). Image of phage M13.
• iMoleBuilder (iTunes link and review at Sunset Lake Software)
• Discovery of Norwalk virus
• Regulatin’ Genes (YouTube link)

Science blog of the week: The Great Beyond by Nature Science podcast pick of the week: Sorting Out Science Science book of the week: A Slot Machine, A Broken Test Tube by S.E. Luria (out of print - check your library)