Immortality
Many folks dream or fantasize about eternal youth and immortality. It’s fun to think about, and even act on, as the billion-dollar industries in cosmetic surgery, exercise, various diets, and so on testify to. However, we know going in that seeking immortality is a losing proposition — there is no escaping the grim reaper. So efforts along that line should be taken for what they’re worth (improved quality of life) rather than the ideal (everlasting youth).
But did you know that immortality does exist on Earth? Immortality exists in viruses. Viruses reproduce by dividing one virus into two, so all viruses are replications of their ancestors, and life can continue indefinitely.
What if the environment becomes too hostile? No problem. The virus simply converts itself into a crystal and waits out the storm until conditions become favorable for replication again.
(Author’s note: The text that’s been stricken is incorrect and has been corrected by a reader. Please read the comments for details. The author regrets the error)
Thanks again, climate change
So it’s surprising, but probably shouldn’t be, that viruses that we thought to be extinct or at least controlled to irrelevance, now have the potential of making comebacks.
In the news recently: [link url=”https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/24/climate-change-thawing-deadly-diseases-anthrax” title=”Anthrax emerged in an area of Northern Russia”] where it had not been seen since 1941, killing one and sickening 90. Please read the article — it contains far more critical information than can be discussed here. We also covered the outbreak [link url=”http://edmdigest.com/adaptation/siberia-has-an-anthrax-problem/” title=”here”].
Anthrax, Cholera, Zika, West Nile, Dengue Fever, Lyme Disease
But Anthrax is not the only single-cell threat that is reemerging. [link url=”http://grist.org/climate-energy/cholera-could-make-a-comeback-thanks-to-climate-change/” title=”Cholera is also a candidate for resurrection”]. The Cholera bacteria thrives in warmer conditions, so counts of the bacteria in seawater are rising rapidly.
Then there’s Zika. As we’ve discussed at length, warming conditions make a better environment for the mosquito that transmits Zika to thrive. But Zika is a virus, and just as with other viruses, Zika will not disappear or die out just because we kill off the mosquitoes. Zika will continue to live, and to thrive when conditions are right.
Add these to the list — [link url=”https://www.nrdc.org/stories/climate-change-bites?gclid=CKXe99mf5M4CFQUJaQodXN0PTA” title=”West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, Lyme Disease”] — the list is extensive. This article discusses preventative measures, which we’re all going to have to become more familiar with, and educate our served publics about, as we move forward.
Adapt, Prevent, Adapt, Prevent
The point here is that nothing is ever really “solved” or “over.”
We celebrate the “victory” over Smallpox, for example, but Smallpox isn’t extinct — it’s just dormant. Same with all of the viruses and bacterias listed above. The same goes for all of the ones that are not listed. We will never be able to sit back and relax and consider the job over.
Victories, yes–by all means, celebrate the victories. But after the celebration, buckle up and get back to work. Some zombie virus is out there waiting for you.
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