Strange virus-like replicators discovered in the human gut (New Scientist)

A previously unknown type of replicating agent named “obelisks” has been found in genomic data from stool samples – but we know little about what these entities do.

A previously unknown type of replicating agent, far smaller and simpler than a virus, has been found in the human gut. These entities have been called “obelisks” by their discoverers.