#COVID is coming back, and we’re also facing #RSV and #flu surges this winter. Mr. Carolina (who is immune compromised) and I have had our vaccines and boosters for everything, but many of our neighbors seem to think that the danger has passed. They may be “done” with COVID, but it’s not done with them. Be smart. Don’t lose a battle of wits with a one-celled organism! Get vaccinated!
@TrueBloodNet @cassandra17lina they reproduce and evolve, but as individuals they cannot grow. I believe that some biologists consider them to be alive. I know that at least one paleontologist does. Why, that would be...me!
@DavidKMresists @cassandra17lina They cannot reproduce. All the reproduction is done by the host. Also, the host is what provides the evolution by making mistakes when reproducing them. I'd trust me, a biologist, before you - a studyer of the long dead. ;)
so, we're doing the work of providing new variant forms for the covid and other viruses? our bodies conspire to keep viruses changing?
@holon42 I would not call 'errors' conspiring. That would require a conscious decision. :)
@holon42 In general, there's a cost to perfection and what is perfect in one situation is not perfect in another. Meaning, small errors happening during genetic reproduction made life forms adaptable to changes in the world around them. But they don't chose to change one gene or DNA code over another. Genes that are critical to life can become protected in a number of ways, such as being duplicated in your DNA. But carrying too many copies comes at a 'cost' as well. It's complicated. :)
"errors" is also an interpretation.
The cell as secret agent—autonomy and intelligence of the living cell: driving force of development.
https://academia.edu/resource/work/107995394
@holon42 Please stick to reputable sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academia.edu
you may find academia unsuitable for reasons, but the author is reputable. that's my choice.
@holon42 Then I chose to ignore your reasons. :) Find something reputable and I'll be happy to read it.
it's your choice.
@TrueBloodNet @cassandra17lina the host is a tool. Viruses are the smallest of the tool users. 🤔
@DavidKMresists @cassandra17lina Not even close to true. You need to go back to school if you believe viruses are 'thinking'.
@TrueBloodNet @cassandra17lina um. Didn't realize you needed a HHOK.
@TrueBloodNet @cassandra17lina however, even I admit that prions are not alive. Just as deadly, but harder to catch.
@TrueBloodNet excellent point… I’m clearly guilty of anthropomorphizing viral goo. 😂
@cassandra17lina I support your suggestions whole heartedly. So many people cannot handle permanent change.
But I have to mention (cuz I'm a scientist and ex teacher) that these viruses have no cells. They are just DNA and are not considered even alive. :)