Space Virii!

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2003-06-09 01:22pm

Or so say a few people:

Far Out SARS Theory

Now, I'm no biologist, so I know jack about this stuff, but I thought people might want a peak. Insanity or inspiration? I'm.. Leaning towards the former.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2003-06-09 01:23pm

Eh, been posted before I think.

BSE was supposedly an ET disease too, while possible, it is still unlikely.

JodoForce · Post by **JodoForce** » 2003-06-09 01:29pm

An independent evolution of the virus may have been required

Next Creationist attack:
God created SARS

Hey, it's what they'd always wanted

Tosho · Post by **Tosho** » 2003-06-09 02:15pm

It's possible, but I sincerely doubt it.

Yogi · Post by **Yogi** » 2003-06-09 09:13pm

Don't Virii have to have the exact same protine patterns on it and the target cell in order to reproduse? That would eliminate the space virus theory.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2003-06-10 07:38am

Yogi wrote:Don't Virii have to have the exact same protine patterns on it and the target cell in order to reproduse? That would eliminate the space virus theory.

Exactly, while BSE and the human form vCJD are prions and thus need not have specific genetic algorithms, a virus would need to have evolved with the host organism to have any real means of infecting and taking over the cell's machinery. This is why it's no real danger to visit another planet and worry about their diseases until they fully adapt.

PS

It's "viri" with only one "i", the other is superfluous. Technically viruses is the correct term, but it doesn't sound right next to viri.

Kuroneko · Post by **Kuroneko** » 2003-06-11 02:28pm

Admiral Valdemar wrote:It's "viri" with only one "i", the other is superfluous. Technically viruses is the correct term, but it doesn't sound right next to viri. :)

True. Overall, I generally prefer the Latin form (e.g. radius->radii, cactus->cacti), so I prefer "viri" also. Personally, I think of "virii" as simply a slang term, and I don't really have a problem with it (though I understand it is a pet peeve for many).

Straha · Post by **Straha** » 2003-06-12 05:23pm

It sounds like Andrommeda Strain. Even though Iheard about his two or trhee weeks ago.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-06-12 07:50pm

Due to the etymology of the word, "viruses" is the correct plural form. Many insist on "virii" or other nonsense, though.