Asperger's Syndrome

[Justin]

At 2003-05-08 18:40 +0000, Mike Rosing wrote:

> It's interesting that pathogens are learning how to bypass their
> normal vectors and going straight for the target (HIV and SARS come to
> mind).

I'm not sure the relevance.  Both seem to have originated in areas not
exactly devoid of a variety of common disease vectors.  What's selecting
[HIV and SARS] viruses for ability to jump directly from primary carrier
to humans?  All sorts of insects and rodents in Africa could serve as
vectors, and China's probably even worse since they've largely screwed
up their ecosystem through overpopulation.

> Plague rode on fleas that rode on rats, and it covered the planet.
> SARS rides the host on airplanes and covers the planet a hell of a lot
> faster.  Ebola is fortunatly self limiting, but seems to be wiping out
> all primates in its zone of influence.  Let's hope that thing doesn't
> learn a better vector!

It's had thousands, probably tens of thousands of years.  What are the
chances it'll adapt to use a better vector before genetics advances past
the point where nature can compete with technology?  After that, the
only threats will be from biowarfare programs or from greens who think
up schemes like "let's create a tyrannosaur-pterosaur hybrid and release
thousands to see if they'll 'fix' the food chain."

-- 
Freedom's untidy, and free people are free to make mistakes and commit
crimes and do bad things.  They're also free to live their lives and do
wonderful things.   --Rumsfeld, 2003-04-11