Viruses can exist in any area of the universe
Professor Paul Davis from Arizona State University (USA) has suggested that viruses can exist not only on Earth. They are able to develop on other planets where life exists, reports The Guardian.
The scientist noted that our understanding of alien life ranges from microbial communities to highly developed civilizations. But in any case, a wide variety of microbes and other microorganisms are required to sustain life. Viruses must also enter these ecosystems.
“Viruses are actually part of the web of life,” said Professor Davis.
Viruses can be thought of as mobile genetic elements. Research has shown that the genetic material of viruses is inserted into the genomes of humans and animals through a process known as horizontal transfer.
Some experts believe that much of the human genome is actually viral in origin. Scientists have already established the critical role of microbes in the development of life, but the role of viruses is not yet well understood. But it can be assumed that if there is cellular life on another planet, viruses are also present in it for the transfer of genetic information.
Prof Davis added that alien viruses (if they really exist) will not pose a danger to humans. Viruses are maximally adapted to their hosts and will not combine with other types of organisms.
Note that on Earth, scientists are investigating the outbreak of the Nipah virus in India. Its mortality rate ranges from 65 to 75%.
