Ebola possible mediums

[Dr Michael J Carter]

I have read this discussion with interest. Leaving aside confusion
over the type of virus that Ebola actually is, why do we all seem 
to assume that the DNA/RNA in clay is actually naked?
China clay in particular has a strong affinity for biological molecules
and certainly can bind proteins. Perhaps there is the odd whole particle.
At present I think it is becoming more likely that the so-called
dissolved DNA in seawater for instance may actually be encapsidated
as viruses of the plankton. Several posters on this board have quoted
the observation of DNA in shales, does anyone have the reference?
Was protein looked for? OK I do know that EBOLA is enveloped, it is
not a simple capsid, but then what about lipids too?

I think the mineral reservoir thing, has to be an outside chance, but
survival of any form of biological material in such a reservoir
must surely be of vital importance in paleo-molbiol.

Finally in some parts of Africa, clay pellets are eaten as a mineral
supplement. Bears thinking over ?

Mike