Scientists Discover First Giant Virus in Finnish Soil

Giant virus discovered in Finnish soil for the first time

Researchers in central Finland have isolated the country’s first known giant virus, suggesting that these large, complex viruses may be more widespread in northern environments than previously believed. The virus, named Jyvaskylavirus, was extracted from local soil by scientists at the University of Jyväskylä. It infects amoebas and measures approximately 200 nanometres in diameter, roughly twice the size of influenza or coronavirus particles.

Scientists Discover First Giant Virus in Finnish Soil

Finland’s first giant virus, Jyvaskylavirus, shows these viruses are more widespread than thought and play key roles in ecosystems. For the first time in Finland, researchers at the University of Jyväskylä’s Nanoscience Center have isolated a giant virus, which they have named Jyvaskylavirus. This discovery suggests that giant viruses may be more widespread in northern [...]

Scientists Discover ‘Jyvaskylavirus’ Found in Finnish Soil

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland have made a remarkable discovery: the first giant virus ever isolated in the country. Jyvaskylavirus, is detailed in a recent study published in eLife on April 16, 2025. Measuring roughly twice the size of influenza or coronavirus, this viral particle not only expands the known geographical range of giant viruses but also raises new questions about their ecological roles in northern soil and …