From Pig to Primate

Researchers at the University of Ohio will soon begin studying the relationship between temperature and the ability to “jump’ species, in Viruses. This will most certainly be an interesting study.


They hope to understand mutations that have helped viruses adapt to warmer temperatures. They believe there could be a correlation with the same mutation, making it “easier” for viruses to infect species other than those already susceptible.

In the recent past we have seen viruses “jump” species more frequently. N1H1 and the Avian Flu are two such viruses. This, the researchers say, could be related to a rise in temperature across the globe. They believe, mutations that stabilize viruses enough to allow them to thrive in warmer temperatures could pave the way for additional mutations making it easier for the virus to switch hosts.

As I read the article on ScienceDaily.com, I began thinking.

As global temperatures rise, viruses are faced with a “pressure”, so to speak, to adapt or die. The greater the pressure, the more likely viruses will make this adaptation. If this pressure didn’t exist there would be a smaller chance the adaptation to warmer temperatures would occur (evolution and natural selection at its best).

So, if the researchers do find a relationship here, would it mean that we are responsible for the viral pandemics that have occurred over the last 20 years? Also, if we were to do something about global warming, would this decrease the chances of viruses jumping hosts?