The TWiV team discusses Medusavirus, isolated from a hot spring in Japan, and induction of hallmarks of neurodegeneration by recurrent herpes simplex virus 1 infection of mice.

Vincent, Alan, and Rich talk about US government contract for freeze-dried smallpox vaccine, red squirrels in the UK threatened by poxvirus, and Marseillevirus, another DNA virus from amoebae built for comfort and speed.