#1212 We are Them

Seems not a day goes by that us poor humans aren’t assaulted by one new virus or another. Pretty amazing when you stop to think about it. These things can wreak all sorts of havoc with the biological systems of every animal and plant and yet scientists really can’t agree whether they’re actually alive at all.
But they are the ultimate hitch-hikers and highjackers. Viruses hitch rides on the wind, blow into your mouth or lungs, swim through your blood, bury themselves in your cells, and highjack its replicating machinery. Eventually, the offspring leave on your breath or your feces or your snot and with one poo or atchoo, eschew all decency and invade the next host.
All from a little batch of inert chemicals.
Virus is a Latin word. It means poison or slimy. Ick, someone get the English word Kleenex.
Recently scientists have found that the virus connection is even closer than we think. Half of our entire DNA originally came from viruses, which most likely infected and embedded themselves in our sperm and egg cells.
Note to other scientists. Do not leave sperm and eggs cells lying around at the fertility clinic.
Scientists have also found that these embedded viruses are both good and bad. Some probably play a bad role in auto-immune disorders and cancers. But some do good, and are likely one of the factors that prevented your mom’s immune system for attacking you in utero.
A mother’s love can be a good thing. A mother’s immune system, not so hot. At least for the developing embryo.
So next time you have a cold, or some other virus that has you hugging the thundermug, while you’re already down on your knees, say a little prayer of thanks you’re alive to enjoy it.
You and viruses are closer than you think. Researchers are now exploring the idea that about a billion years ago a good-sized DNA-based virus coiled up in a bacteria cell, highjacked it and created the first cell nucleus.
And we all come from that virus.
We are them. And we think its fine.
Especially the slimy parts...
America, ya gotta love it.