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Using the Genome Sequencer System from 454 Life Sciences, a Roche company, French scientists have identified a small virus that can actually be parasitic to a larger one. The 50 nm virus, named Sputnik, is associated with a new strain of the giant Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV) and is believed to represent a currently unknown family of viruses. The study, entitled "The virophage as a unique parasite of the giant mimivirus," appeared in the September 4th issue of Nature (1).

In its determination to maintain polio-free status, the government of Iraq successfully completed another national drive in delivering vaccinations to almost 5 million children under five years of age throughout the country. Special focus was given to areas with a high influx of newly returned IDPs.