Ancient Viruses and Speedy Nerves (2025 update)
Educational and Fun Activities
Written by Alexandra Stone
15 July 2024
đź•“ 10 min
Ancient viruses might sound like something from a science fiction story, but they are very real—and they have shaped our biology in fascinating ways. In 2025, scientists continue to uncover how these tiny invaders, once thought to be simple pathogens, have contributed to human evolution, especially the development of our nervous system. Far from being mere troublemakers, ancient viruses have left behind genetic footprints that influence how our brains work, how we grow, and how we respond to the world.
At The Science of Sound, we believe that sparking children's curiosity about the living world helps them build strong foundations for lifelong learning. That's why our science workshops, holiday camps, after-school clubs, and birthday parties often explore exciting topics like biology, genetics, and neuroscience in hands-on, sensory-rich ways. In this blog, we'll dive into the fascinating story of ancient viruses and their surprising connection to the speedy signals that make our bodies and brains work so efficiently.
1. The Nature of Viruses
Viruses are among the most fascinating and mysterious entities in biology. They are incredibly tiny—much smaller than bacteria—and cannot survive or reproduce on their own. Instead, they invade living cells and use the host's machinery to make copies of themselves. Structurally, viruses are simple: they contain genetic material (either DNA or RNA) wrapped inside a protein coat, and sometimes a lipid envelope.
What makes viruses so remarkable is their ability to adapt rapidly to new environments and hosts. Their genetic diversity allows them to evolve quickly, outsmart immune systems, and sometimes even switch between species. While we often associate viruses with diseases, they are also crucial players in the grand story of life. In fact, viruses have influenced the genetic makeup of many species, including humans.
By learning about the basic nature of viruses, children can start to appreciate not just their risks, but also their surprising contributions to the diversity and resilience of life on Earth. At The Science of Sound, we use real-world science to open young minds to these exciting concepts.
2. Ancient Viruses and Their Influence
Ancient viruses have left a permanent imprint on the genetic code of living organisms, including humans. Millions of years ago, viral infections embedded viral DNA into the genomes of their hosts. These viral sequences, known as endogenous retroviruses, now make up around 8% of the human genome.
While many of these ancient viral fragments are dormant, some have been adapted by the body for useful functions. For example, certain genes derived from ancient viruses play roles in placenta development, immune system regulation, and even brain function. These findings reveal that viruses have not just been enemies of life; they have been unexpected allies in the grand process of evolution.
Understanding how ancient viruses have shaped our biology highlights the complexity and resilience of life on Earth. At The Science of Sound, we encourage children to see science not just as facts to memorise, but as an exciting story of discovery, adaptation, and innovation that continues to unfold.
3. The Connection to the Nervous System
One of the most fascinating discoveries in modern biology is the potential role of ancient viruses in shaping the human nervous system. Research suggests that some viral elements embedded in our DNA may influence how our brains develop and function. Viral genes appear to regulate key processes involved in neurodevelopment, such as the formation of synaptic connections—the tiny gaps through which nerve cells communicate.
Some ancient viral proteins have even been repurposed by our bodies to support communication between neurons. Without these contributions, the speed and complexity of our nerve signals might look very different today. Scientists now believe that ancient viral influences helped drive the evolution of more sophisticated nervous systems, including those in humans.
At The Science of Sound, we help children explore how interconnected biology can be—how something as small and unexpected as a virus could play a role in how we think, feel, and move. Science isn't just about looking at what is; it's about uncovering the extraordinary stories behind it all.
4. The Role of Viruses in Modern Medicine
Understanding the behaviour and history of viruses is transforming modern medicine in powerful ways. Today, scientists are using modified viruses as tools to treat diseases and deliver life-saving therapies. Gene therapy, for example, often relies on viruses to transport healthy copies of genes into patients' cells, offering hope for curing genetic disorders that were once considered untreatable.
In vaccine development, insights into viral evolution have helped researchers create vaccines that are not only more effective but also quicker to adapt to new threats. Techniques such as mRNA vaccines, which rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, owe much of their success to decades of studying viral genetics and behaviour.
At The Science of Sound, we aim to inspire young learners to see science as a living, evolving discipline. Through engaging workshops and hands-on activities, children discover how knowledge of viruses is helping doctors, researchers, and communities around the world create a healthier future.
5. The Future of Research on Ancient Viruses
The study of ancient viruses is one of the most exciting frontiers in modern science. In 2025 and beyond, researchers are diving deeper into how viral elements embedded within our DNA continue to influence health, disease, and evolution. Scientists are particularly interested in functional genomics—uncovering which ancient viral genes are active and how they might contribute to brain development, immune responses, or even susceptibility to certain conditions.
In evolutionary biology, ancient viruses offer a window into how life on Earth has adapted and diversified over millions of years. By tracing viral fingerprints across species, researchers are piecing together the dynamic relationship between viruses and their hosts. In neuroscience, exploring how viral components may affect brain function could lead to breakthroughs in understanding conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases.
At The Science of Sound, we love inspiring children to think about the future of science. Through our holiday camps, workshops, and after-school clubs, we encourage young minds to imagine the discoveries they might one day help make.
Final Thoughts
Ancient viruses may seem like relics of the distant past, but their influence is still very much alive in our biology today. From shaping how our nervous systems function to inspiring new medical treatments, these ancient invaders have left an indelible mark on human evolution. In 2025 and beyond, the study of ancient viruses offers thrilling opportunities for discovery, helping us understand the intricate web of life and the surprising ways in which adversity can fuel innovation.
At The Science of Sound, we celebrate the wonder of science by making it accessible, exciting, and deeply engaging for children. Our workshops, after-school clubs, holiday camps, and birthday parties give young learners a hands-on experience of the scientific world, sparking a love of discovery that lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s exploring ancient viruses or uncovering the secrets of the senses, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to marvel at the wonders of the universe.
